The process of data acquisition in histology can be broken down into several key steps:
Tissue Collection: This is the initial step where tissue samples are obtained from an organism. The method of collection depends on the type of tissue and the purpose of the study.
Fixation: To preserve the tissue structure and prevent degradation, samples are treated with fixatives, such as formalin. This step is vital for maintaining the integrity of the tissue for further analysis.
Embedding: The fixed tissue is embedded in a medium like paraffin wax, which provides support for thin sectioning.
Sectioning: Thin slices of the tissue are cut using a microtome. These sections are typically a few micrometers thick and are crucial for microscopic examination.
Staining: Since most tissues are colorless, staining is necessary to highlight different cellular components. Common stains include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).
Microscopy: The stained sections are examined under a microscope. Various types of microscopes, such as light microscopes and electron microscopes, can be used depending on the resolution required.
Image Acquisition: Images of the tissue sections are captured using digital cameras attached to the microscope. These images are then processed and analyzed using specialized software.
