The preparation of tissue samples involves several steps:
Fixation: This step involves preserving the tissue to prevent degradation. Common fixatives include formalin and glutaraldehyde. Embedding: After fixation, tissues are embedded in a medium like paraffin wax to provide support during sectioning. Sectioning: The embedded tissue is cut into thin sections, usually between 3-5 micrometers thick, using a microtome. Staining: The sections are then stained to enhance contrast and highlight different structures. Common stains include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), which are used for general tissue visualization.
