A Beginner's Guide to Microtomes: What They Are and How They Work?

 

Microtomes

A microtome is a lab tool used to slice or cut extremely thin objects, including tissues or cells, for microscopic study. Histology, pathology, and biological research all make extensive use of microtomes. They are also employed in the production of microscope slides, which are used to examine tissue samples up close under a microscope.

A microtome's primary function is to slice materials into uniformly thin pieces for microscopic inspection. This is done by controlling the movement of a highly sharp blade or knife over the specimen while it is being held still. Depending on the needs of the experiment or investigation, the thickness of the sections may be changed to generate slices of varied thickness.

There are several microtome varieties available, each with particular advantages and qualities. The rotary microtome, which rotates the blade across the specimen, is one of the most popular varieties. Typically, the specimen is embedded in a block of paraffin or another embedding substance, which aids in providing stability and support during the slicing procedure.

The sliding microtome is a different kind of microtome that slides the blade across the specimen. Large specimens like plant stems or brain tissue are frequently sliced with this kind of microtome.

Both manual and automated microtomes are available. While automated microtomes use motors and computer control to produce precise, consistent slices, manual microtomes need to be operated by hand.

The blade that is utilised is a crucial factor in addition to the microtome's kind and mode of operation. High-quality steel or tungsten carbide are frequently used to make microtome blades, which may be honed to a razor-sharp edge. For exact, homogeneous slices of the specimen to be produced, the blade's sharpness and quality are essential.

The specimen must first be implanted in a block of substance, such as paraffin wax or resin, before using a microtome. The blade is then set to the desired thickness as the block is put on the microtome. After cutting a small slice of the specimen, the slice may be put on a microscope slide and inspected up close with a microscope.

Microtomes are a crucial instrument in many branches of biology and medicine because they enable academics and practitioners to closely analyse cellular and tissue architecture. They have been in use for more than a century and are still crucial to contemporary research and diagnostics. More complex microtomes, including automated and digital ones that offer more precision and usability, have been developed as a result of technological advancements.