Vävnadsskivor

Vävnadsskivor, often translated as tissue sections or tissue slices, are thin preparations of biological tissue that are examined under a microscope. These slices are crucial for the study of cell structure, tissue organization, and the presence of various cellular components or disease markers. The process of creating vävnadsskivor typically involves several steps, beginning with obtaining a tissue sample, which can be from a biopsy or autopsy. The tissue is then usually fixed to preserve its structure and prevent decomposition. Following fixation, the tissue undergoes a process called embedding, often in paraffin wax or resin, to provide support and allow for precise cutting. The embedded tissue is then sliced into extremely thin sections using a microtome, a specialized instrument capable of producing sections just a few micrometers thick. These thin sections are mounted onto glass slides and may be stained with various dyes to highlight specific cellular features, such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, or extracellular matrix. Different stains are used depending on what aspect of the tissue is being investigated. Once stained, the vävnadsskivor are viewed and analyzed using a light microscope or, for higher resolution, an electron microscope. This technique is fundamental in fields such as histology, pathology, and research, enabling detailed visual inspection of biological samples.