PARAFFIN EMBEDDING Meaning and
Definition
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Paraffin embedding is a widely used technique in histology and pathology that involves the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. It is a crucial step in the process of tissue fixation, processing, and sectioning, enabling the preservation and visualization of cellular structures and tissue architecture.
During paraffin embedding, the tissue sample is first fixed using various chemical agents to maintain its structural integrity and prevent decay. The fixed tissue is then dehydrated by gradually replacing water with alcohol. After dehydration, the tissue is cleared by immersing it in an organic solvent that removes the alcohol. At this stage, the tissue is infiltrated with hot molten paraffin wax, which impregnates its interstitial spaces.
Once the tissue has been fully infiltrated with paraffin wax, it is cooled and hardened, forming a solid block around the tissue sample. This block is then trimmed to obtain a suitable dimension for sectioning. Thin slices, typically around 5-10 micrometers in thickness, are cut from the paraffin-embedded block using a microtome. These sections are placed on glass slides, deparaffinized to remove the wax, and stained with dyes or antibodies for visualization and analysis under a microscope.
Paraffin embedding allows for long-term storage of tissue samples and facilitates the production of thin, consistent sections that can be examined microscopically. It is a vital technique in histopathology and research that contributes to the understanding and diagnosis of various diseases.
Common Misspellings for PARAFFIN EMBEDDING
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Etymology of PARAFFIN EMBEDDING
The term "paraffin embedding" originates from the combination of two words: paraffin and embedding.
Paraffin refers to a type of hydrocarbon mixture that is solid at room temperature but melts easily. It is commonly used in various industries, including the medical and pharmaceutical fields. In histology, paraffin wax is widely used for embedding tissues during preparation for microscopic examination.
The term embedding, in histology, refers to the process of placing a tissue sample in a supporting medium, such as paraffin wax, to provide structural stability. This helps in slicing the tissue into thin sections for microscopic analysis.
The combination of these two terms, paraffin and embedding, creates the phrase "paraffin embedding", which specifically describes the method of using paraffin wax as the embedding medium in histological techniques.
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