Histochemistry and cell biology: what's in a name?

Histochemistry represents an integrative discipline aiming at the in situ d etection, localization and functional characterization of cellular and extr acellular components in single cells and complex organs. Therefore, the dev elopment of new methods and improvement of existing ones continues to be im portant. This, however, is with the declared intent for their application i n the various fields of developmental and cell biology as well as pathology in order to contribute to the solution of open problems. This review summa rizes recent advancements in these fields.