Three-dimensional (3D) histology utilizes tissue clearing techniques to turn intact tissues transparent, allowing rapid interrogation of tissue architecture in three dimensions. In this article, we summarized the available tissue clearing methods and classified them according to their physicochemical principles of operation, which provided a framework for one to choose the best techniques for various research settings. Recent attempts in addressing various questions regarding the degenerating and regenerating nervous system have been promising with the use of 3D histological techniques.
Keywords: neuronal morphology; neuronal network; three-dimensional histology; tissue clearing.