How to measure the structures, or new stereology. I. Sampling and orientation of samples

This article presents a brief review of newly developed methods of modern stereology for measurement of biostructures, which allow to avoid problems of uncertainty and technical difficulties peculiar to old stereology. In the first part of the review, a brief historical report on the development of new stereological approaches and their practical application to the selection and orientation of samples, is given. In particular, Cavalieri's principle, random systematic isotropic sampling, fractionator, isector, orientator and principle of vertical sections are described. Some details for practical aspects of measurements have been provided.