FREEZE SECTIONING Meaning and
Definition
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Freeze sectioning is a technique used in histology and pathology to prepare thin sections of biological specimens for microscopic examination. It involves freezing the tissue rapidly and cutting it into thin slices using a microtome or cryostat.
The process begins by immersing the specimen in a cryoprotectant solution, such as a mixture of glycerol and sucrose, to prevent ice crystal formation and tissue damage during freezing. The tissue is then rapidly frozen using liquid nitrogen or a freezing medium, which transforms water molecules into ice crystals. Once the tissue is fully frozen, it is positioned on the microtome or cryostat and trimmed to the desired size.
The microtome or cryostat cuts ultra-thin sections of the tissue, typically around 5-10 µm thick, using a steel knife or diamond blade. These sections are collected onto glass slides and can be stained using various dyes or immunohistochemical techniques to highlight specific structures or proteins in the tissue. The sections are then observed under a microscope for analysis and diagnosis.
Freeze sectioning allows researchers and pathologists to study the cellular and structural details of fresh tissue samples without the need for complex sample preparation techniques involving fixation and embedding in paraffin or resin. It is particularly useful for rapid diagnosis during surgical procedures or for studying frozen tissue samples, such as those obtained from biopsies.
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Etymology of FREEZE SECTIONING
The term "Freeze Sectioning" does not have a specific etymology as it is a technical term related to scientific research. However, we can break down the term to understand its meaning:
1. Freeze: The word "freeze" comes from the Old English word "freosan" which means "to become or make cold enough to harden or solidify". It has been used in English since the late 14th century and refers to the process of lowering the temperature of something to a point where it becomes solid or firm.
2. Sectioning: The verb "section" originates from the Latin word "sectio" which means "a cutting or division". In this context, it refers to the action of cutting or dividing a sample into thin slices or sections.
Therefore, "Freeze Sectioning" is a compound term combining the act of freezing a sample and subsequently cutting it into sections for further examination or analysis.
