A microtome is a precision cutting tool used to prepare very thin sections of specimens for examination. This lesson introduces the purpose of microtomy, the range of section thicknesses, the basic operation of a modern instrument, and the historical development of the technique.
A microtome cuts material into thin slices called sections. The process is known as microsectioning or microtomy. Thin sections allow light or electron radiation to pass through or interact with a specimen so that its internal structure can be examined with a microscope.
All flashcards
What is a microtome?
A precision cutting tool that produces thin specimen sections for examination, especially with microscopes.
What is microsectioning?
The process of cutting material into thin sections, typically using a microtome.
How does a modern microtome control section thickness?
A thickness adjustment sets the desired thickness, and an advancement mechanism moves the specimen by that amount between cuts.
How are microtome blade materials selected?
Steel, glass, or diamond is chosen according to the specimen and the required section thickness.
Why is the microtome’s invention attributed to different people?
Early devices were not consistently documented, and sources credit different developers or distinguish invention from practical use.
Quiz questions
Why are frozen sections useful when a diagnosis is needed during a medical procedure?Answer: They can be prepared and examined in about five minutes.
What is a typical thickness range for sections prepared for transmission electron microscopy?Answer: About 60–100 nm.
How are sections collected in serial sectioning?Answer: A continuous ribbon is collected, and all sections are used on slides.
What distinguishes laser microtomy from methods that use a blade?Answer: It cuts without physical contact and can section tissue in its native state.
In a sledge microtome, how does the specimen meet the knife during cutting?Answer: The specimen holder moves back and forth across a fixed knife.
Based on the Wikipedia article Microtome, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.