Multiple Choice
What is the main goal of fixation in tissue processing?
A. To stain the tissue
B. To slice the tissue into microns
C. To preserve the tissue and prevent decay
D. To remove lipids
C. To preserve the tissue and prevent decay
Dehydration is done after embedding the tissue
❌ False – Dehydration is done before embedding.
Tissue sections are usually cut at ___ microns in thickness.
4 to 5 microns
"Microtomy is the process of staining tissue with eosin and hematoxylin."
Correction: Microtomy is the process of cutting thin tissue sections using a microtome.
What is xylene used for?
Xylene is used to clear alcohol and make tissue compatible with paraffin wax before embedding.
Which chemical is commonly used as a fixative?
A. Ethanol
B. Xylene
C. Formaldehyde
D. Hematoxylin
C. Formaldehyde
Xylene is used to remove water from tissues.
❌ False – Xylene is used to clear alcohol and make tissue compatible with paraffin, not to remove water directly.
The matrix surrounding cells is removed during ___ (process).
dehydration
"Formaldehyde is used to embed the tissue into paraffin wax."
Correction: Formaldehyde is used to fix tissues. Paraffin wax is used during embedding.
What does eosin stain?
Eosin stains cytoplasm and extracellular matrix pink.
What is a tissue?
A. A type of organ
B. A fluid inside cells
C. A group of similar cells and cell products working together
D. A single type of cell with a unique function
c. A group of similar cells and cell products working together
Embedding provides physical support for sectioning.
✅ True
The Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain is used to detect ___ in tissues.
carbohydrates
Nervous tissue is made up of only neurons.
Correction: Nervous tissue is made up of neurons and glial cells
What is the role of a microtome?
A microtome is used to cut thin sections of tissue for microscope slides.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four main types of tissues?
A. Epithelial
B. Connective
C. Respiratory
D. Nervous
C – Respiratory
H&E stain highlights nuclei in pink and cytoplasm in blue.
❌ False – H&E stains nuclei in blue/purple and cytoplasm in pink.
After staining, tissue sections are permanently ___ onto microscope slides.
mounted
Smooth muscle is voluntary and found in the arms and legs.
Correction: Smooth muscle is involuntary and found in organs like the intestines and blood vessels
Why do we use trichrome stain in histology?
Trichrome stain is used to highlight connective tissue, especially collagen and muscle fibers.
What is the main function of nervous tissue?
A. Absorption
B. Support
C. Communication
D. Movement
C – Communication
The matrix is the substance that surrounds cells in a tissue.
✅ True
Epithelial tissues are made up of layers of ____________ cells.
closely spaced
Epithelial tissue has a high ratio of matrix to cells.
Correction: Epithelial tissue has a low ratio of matrix to cells
Name one organ where epithelial tissue is found.
Skin (or kidneys, glands, internal organ linings)