How are Tissue Samples Prepared for Histological Analysis?
The preparation of tissue samples involves several steps:
1. Fixation: This process preserves the tissue by preventing decay. Common fixatives include formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. 2. Embedding: The fixed tissue is embedded in a medium such as paraffin wax to provide support for thin slicing. 3. Sectioning: The embedded tissue is cut into thin sections (usually 3-5 micrometers thick) using a microtome. 4. Staining: Tissue sections are stained to enhance contrast and highlight different structures. Common stains include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), which stain nuclei blue and cytoplasm pink, respectively.
