What Does "Mounted" Mean in Histology?
In histology, the term "mounted" refers to the process of placing a processed tissue sample onto a glass slide for microscopic examination. This process is crucial as it prepares the tissue in a manner that preserves its structure and makes it easier to study under a microscope.
It preserves the tissue for long-term storage.
It prevents the tissue from being damaged during examination.
It allows for the application of various staining techniques to highlight different tissue components.
Glass Slides: These are the foundation upon which the tissue is placed.
Cover Slips: Thin pieces of glass that cover the tissue sample to protect it and make it easier to view under a microscope.
Mounting Medium: A solution used to adhere the cover slip to the slide, preserve the tissue, and improve optical clarity.
Types of Mounting Media
Various mounting media are used depending on the staining technique and the intended use of the slide:Steps in the Mounting Process
The general steps involved in mounting a histological sample are as follows: Sectioning: Thin slices of tissue are cut using a microtome.
Staining: The tissue sections are stained to highlight different cellular components.
Dehydration and Clearing: The tissue is dehydrated using ethanol and cleared with a clearing agent like xylene.
Mounting: The tissue section is placed on a glass slide, a drop of mounting medium is added, and a cover slip is placed on top.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Mounting can present several challenges, including: Air Bubbles: These can obscure the view of the tissue. To avoid this, carefully apply the mounting medium and cover slip.
Tissue Folding: Tissue sections can fold during mounting. Using a flat sectioning technique can help mitigate this issue.
Inadequate Adhesion: Sometimes the tissue does not adhere well to the slide. Using adhesive-coated slides can improve adhesion.
Applications of Mounted Slides
Mounted slides are used in various applications: Diagnostic Pathology: For diagnosing diseases by examining tissue samples.
Research: For studying the microarchitecture of tissues and cellular processes.
Education: For teaching students about histological structures and functions.
Conclusion
Mounting is a critical step in histology that ensures tissue samples are preserved, protected, and prepared for microscopic examination. Understanding the materials, methods, and challenges involved in mounting can significantly enhance the quality of histological analyses.
