Histologists employ a variety of techniques to prepare and examine tissue samples:
Fixation: Preserves the tissue's structure by stopping biological processes. Embedding: Involves placing the tissue in a solid medium, usually paraffin, to allow for thin sectioning. Sectioning: Thin slices of the tissue are cut using a microtome for easier examination under a microscope. Staining: Enhances contrast in the tissue samples, making specific structures more visible. Common stains include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E stain). Microscopy: Various types of microscopes, including light, electron, and fluorescence microscopes, are used to examine the samples.
