Tissue preparation is a multi-step process crucial for effective visualization:
1. Fixation: Preserves tissue structure by cross-linking proteins, preventing decay and autolysis. Common fixatives include formalin and paraformaldehyde. 2. Embedding: Involves infiltrating tissues with a medium like paraffin wax to provide support for thin sectioning. 3. Sectioning: Thin slices of the embedded tissue (usually 3-5 microns thick) are cut using a microtome and placed on glass slides. 4. Staining: The sections are stained with appropriate dyes to highlight different structures.
