Specific staining techniques are essential in histology to highlight various cellular components and pathological changes. For example:
- Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) Staining: This is the most commonly used stain in histology. Hematoxylin stains cell nuclei blue, while eosin stains cytoplasm and extracellular matrix pink. H&E staining helps in identifying general tissue architecture and abnormalities. - Masson's Trichrome Staining: This technique is used to differentiate between muscle, collagen fibers, and epithelial cells. It is particularly useful in detecting fibrosis. - Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) Staining: PAS staining highlights glycogen and mucopolysaccharides, which can be useful in identifying changes in the liver and renal tissues due to chronic exposure.
