Histology Techniques & Technology Flashcards
7 cards from real HT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Histology Techniques & Technology flashcards as text
Which embedding medium is most commonly used for routine paraffin processing in histology?
Answer: Paraplast or similar paraffin wax blend
Paraplast and similar paraffin blends are the standard embedding media for routine formalin-fixed tissue in most histology laboratories.
What is the primary purpose of the clearing step in tissue processing?
Answer: To remove dehydrant and make tissue miscible with paraffin
Clearing agents (such as xylene) remove the dehydrating alcohol and render the tissue transparent and miscible with molten paraffin.
A cryostat section is BEST suited for which of the following applications?
Answer: Intraoperative frozen section diagnosis
Cryostat sections are primarily used for intraoperative frozen sections because they can be prepared rapidly while the patient is still in surgery.
Which instrument setting on a rotary microtome controls the thickness of each section?
Answer: Section thickness micrometer
The section thickness micrometer on a rotary microtome is the control that sets how many micrometers of tissue are advanced per revolution.
What is the recommended knife angle (clearance angle) for paraffin sectioning with a steel knife on a rotary microtome?
Answer: 5–8 degrees
A clearance angle of approximately 5–8 degrees is standard for paraffin sectioning and prevents the knife heel from dragging on the block face.
Chatter artifact in paraffin sections most commonly results from which of the following?
Answer: Loose knife or block clamp causing vibration
Chatter produces regularly spaced lines across a section and is caused by vibration from a loose knife holder, dull knife, or loose tissue clamp.
Which of the following correctly describes the tissue orientation used when embedding a hollow tubular organ such as the intestine?
Answer: Stand on end so the lumen is perpendicular to the block face
Standing the intestine on end allows the microtome to cut cross-sections through all layers (mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosa) simultaneously.
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