Why Are Isotonic Solutions Important in Histology?
Isotonic solutions are essential in histology for several reasons:
1. Cell Preservation: Using isotonic solutions helps preserve the natural state of cells and tissues. They prevent osmotic stress, which can cause cell lysis (bursting) or crenation (shriveling). 2. Accurate Observations: When cells are in an isotonic environment, their morphology remains unaltered. This is critical for accurate microscopic observations and diagnoses. 3. Minimized Artifacts: Isotonic solutions reduce the formation of artifacts that can arise from osmotic imbalances, ensuring clearer and more reliable histological images.