Szövetmetszetek

Szövetmetszetek, commonly translated as tissue sections or histological sections, are thin slices of biological tissue prepared for microscopic examination. The process of creating these sections is a fundamental technique in histology and pathology, allowing for the detailed study of cellular structures and tissue organization.

The preparation typically begins with the fixation of the tissue to preserve its structure and prevent degradation. Following fixation, the tissue is often dehydrated and embedded in a solid medium, such as paraffin wax or resin, to provide support for cutting. This embedded tissue is then thinly sliced using a specialized instrument called a microtome. The resulting thin slices, or sections, are mounted onto glass slides.

To visualize the cellular components, these sections are usually stained with various dyes. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) is a very common staining combination, where hematoxylin stains cell nuclei blue-purple and eosin stains cytoplasm and extracellular material pink. Other stains can be used to highlight specific cellular components or molecules.

Szövetmetszetek are invaluable diagnostic tools in medicine, helping pathologists identify diseases, determine the extent of damage, and guide treatment decisions. In research, they are used to understand normal tissue development, the mechanisms of disease, and the effects of experimental treatments. The quality of the section and the staining are critical for accurate interpretation.