Staining is a critical step in histology as it enhances the visibility of different cell and tissue components. Different stains highlight various cellular structures, aiding in the identification of specific features. For example, H&E staining is used to differentiate between the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells, while special stains like Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) highlight carbohydrates and mucosubstances. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) uses antibodies to detect specific antigens, providing valuable information for diagnosing diseases such as cancers.
