ABSTRACT
In this chapter we describe how to use stereology to estimate statistical descriptions of the local spatial arrangement of a phase or tissue compartment. A number of pioneering studies, that we refer to later in the chapter, have shown that in biological systems the spatial arrangement of a tissue compartment may reflect important aspects of growth, maturation and disease. Spatial distribution cannot be summarized by a single number in the way that particle number and surface area can. Instead it requires a graph relating a suitable spatial description versus distance. In our opinion the additional complexity of the information obtained is well worth coming to terms with as it can provide a rich additional source of ideas concerning the way tissues, organs and other materials are structured. Surprisingly, although additional information is obtained, little or no additional practical work is required to obtain the correct type of data.
