Osmium tetroxide has several applications in histology, including:
Tissue fixation: It is used to preserve the structure of biological tissues by cross-linking proteins and stabilizing lipid components. Staining: It provides contrast to cell membranes and lipid-rich structures, making them visible under a microscope. Electron microscopy: It is essential for preparing samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), allowing for detailed visualization of cellular ultrastructure. Histopathology: Osmium tetroxide is used in the examination of pathological tissues to identify abnormalities in cell membrane integrity and lipid distribution.
