mikrotomia

Mikrotomia, or microtomy, is the technique of producing thin tissue sections for microscopic examination by cutting specimens with a microtome. It is a foundational method in histology and pathology, enabling researchers and clinicians to analyze tissue architecture, cellular detail, and molecular markers. The process is typically part of a larger workflow that prepares tissue for light or electron microscopy.

The standard workflow involves fixation to preserve tissue structure, followed by dehydration, clearing, and embedding in a solid medium such as paraffin or resin. The embedded block is trimmed and then sectioned with a microtome to produce thin slices that are mounted on microscope slides. These sections are then stained (commonly with hematoxylin and eosin) to reveal cellular and tissue features, and examined under a light microscope. For some applications, frozen sections produced with a cryostat are cut rapidly and used for intraoperative diagnosis or when rapid results are needed.

Section thickness varies by method. Paraffin-embedded sections are usually 3–5 micrometers thick; frozen sections are typically 5–20 micrometers; ultrathin sections for electron microscopy can be about 50–100 nanometers. Equipment includes rotary or sliding microtomes for standard sections, cryostats for frozen tissue, and ultramicrotomes for electron microscopy. Knife blades and mounting media are chosen to optimize quality and minimize artifacts.

Applications span diagnostic pathology, research, immunohistochemistry, and forensic science. Common artifacts include chatter, compression, folds, or knife marks, which can affect interpretation and require technique optimization. Microtomy remains a central, evolving technique in biomedical laboratories.