The spelling of the word "haematoxyline" may seem tricky at first glance, but it follows the standard English orthography rules. The word is pronounced /hiːməˈtɒksɪlin/ and is often used in histology to stain tissue specimens. The "haema-" prefix refers to blood, while "-toxyline" is derived from a plant extract called logwood. The correct spelling of "haematoxyline" includes the suffix "-ine", which indicates a chemical compound, and "-y", which comes from the original Greek word "xulon" meaning wood.
Haematoxyline refers to a natural coloring substance or dye derived from the heartwood of the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum). It is commonly used in histology and pathology as a stain to enhance the visualization of various cellular and tissue components under a microscope.
The haematoxyline dye has a deep purple color and acts as a basic stain, meaning it can bind to acidic substances within cells. When applied to tissue samples, haematoxyline selectively stains nuclei, particularly the DNA-rich regions. This staining technique enables researchers and pathologists to observe and study the cellular morphology, nuclear features, and tissue architecture more clearly and precisely.
The staining process involving haematoxyline usually consists of several steps. First, the tissue sections are immersed in a haematoxyline solution or stain, which allows the dye to permeate and bind to the nuclei. Next, the excess stain is washed off, and the sections are treated with chemical agents known as differentiation solutions. These solutions remove any excess stain that is not bound to the nuclei, further enhancing the contrast and clarity of the stained samples. Finally, the stained sections may be counterstained with other dyes to highlight specific cellular structures or components.
Overall, haematoxyline plays a crucial role in histological and pathological techniques, aiding in the identification and analysis of various cellular and tissue components through its selective nuclear staining properties.
The colouring principle of logwood.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "haematoxyline" is primarily derived from the Greek word "haima" (meaning blood) and the Latin word "toxicum" (meaning poison). It is a combination of these two words, referring to a poisonous substance or extract that is derived from the bloodwood tree, Haematoxylum campechianum. The suffix "-ine" denotes that it is an alkaloid.