The embedding process typically involves several steps:
Fixation: The tissue is preserved using chemical fixatives to prevent degradation and autolysis. Dehydration: Water is removed from the tissue by passing it through a series of alcohol solutions. Clearing: Alcohol is replaced with a clearing agent like xylene, making the tissue transparent and miscible with embedding media. Infiltration: The tissue is infiltrated with the embedding medium, usually paraffin wax, at a temperature above its melting point. Embedding: The tissue is oriented in a mold with molten embedding medium, which is then allowed to solidify.
