What is Microtome?

The microtome is an instrument which is used for cutting thin slices of materials that are to be used as microscope slides. With the use of microtome, materials can be cut thin enough for thorough examination.

The microtome is an instrument which is used for cutting thin slices of materials that are to be used as microscope slides. With the use of microtome, materials can be cut thin enough for thorough examination. Paper thin slices or what we call sections can be produced. If the sections are too thick, it will be difficult for light to pass through. The surface can be studied but the interior cannot.

A microtome is a very precise and useful instrument for scientist. It basically consists of a very sharp blade which can be easily adjusted to cut at various angles and at the desired thickness. The sections can be measured in microns or 1/1000 of a millimeter. The preparation which is normally imbedded in a paraffin wax is mounted on a disk which generally advances with each slice for continuous sectioning. A continuous ribbon of sections appear like a series of paper dolls where in one sample section or a series of section may bet set for examination.

For successful results, the preparation of specimen sectioning is very important. Materials can be made firm by freezing with carbon dioxide has and then they can be sectioned accordingly. Lastly, mounting and appropriate staining can be done for microscopic study. Another way to section is the dehydration of a specimen by a graded series of alcohol and xylol treatments.