How are Tissue Samples Prepared for Histological Examination?
The preparation of tissue samples involves several steps:
Fixation: Preserves tissue structure using chemical agents like formalin. Embedding: The tissue is embedded in a solid medium, usually paraffin wax, to facilitate sectioning. Sectioning: Thin slices of tissue are cut using a microtome. Staining: Different stains are applied to highlight various tissue components, such as hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for general structure, or special stains for specific elements.