What are the steps involved in histological sample preparation?

The preparation of histological samples is a meticulous process that involves several key steps:

Fixation: This step preserves tissue morphology and prevents degradation. Common fixatives include formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde.
Embedding: The fixed tissue is embedded in a medium like paraffin wax or resin to provide support during sectioning.
Sectioning: The embedded tissue is cut into thin slices using a microtome. Thin sections (5-10 micrometers) are essential for optimal microscopic examination.
Staining: Stains like hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) are applied to differentiate cellular components. Special stains and immunohistochemistry can highlight specific structures or proteins.
Mounting: The stained sections are mounted on slides and covered with a coverslip for microscopic examination.