MACROTOME Meaning and
Definition
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A macrotome is a specialized laboratory instrument used in the field of histology for obtaining relatively thick and sizable sections of biological tissues or specimens. It is designed to accurately slice the tissues into uniform layers for detailed examination under a microscope or for further analysis in research studies.
The macrotome consists of several essential components that enable its functionality. It typically consists of a cutting platform, where the tissue specimen is securely placed, and an adjustable blade or knife mechanism. The knife is positioned vertically and moves in a controlled manner to precisely slice through the tissue. The thickness of the sections can be adjusted to achieve uniformity according to the research requirements.
This instrument is particularly valuable when dealing with significantly larger specimens or tissues compared to those handled by a microtome, which is primarily used for generating thin sections. Therefore, a macrotome is often used when examining samples like whole organs, tumors, or large biological structures.
By utilizing a macrotome, researchers and pathologists can obtain thick sections of tissue samples that are suitable for various investigations, such as macroscopic examination, morphological analysis, and histopathology. These sections can be further processed or stained to reveal specific cellular components or to highlight abnormalities or anomalies. The resulting sections are highly valuable for detailed analysis, making the macrotome an indispensable tool for researchers and medical professionals in the field of histology.
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An instrument for making gross anatomical sections.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MACROTOME
- nacrotome
- kacrotome
- jacrotome
- mzcrotome
- mscrotome
- mwcrotome
- mqcrotome
- maxrotome
- mavrotome
- mafrotome
- madrotome
- maceotome
- macdotome
- macfotome
- mactotome
- mac5otome
- mac4otome
- macritome
- macrktome
- macrltome
Etymology of MACROTOME
The word "macrotome" is derived from the combination of the Greek roots "macro" and "tome".
The Greek root "macro" (μακρός) means "large" or "long". It comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*makro-", which has the same meaning. This root is also seen in other words such as "macroscopic" (visible to the naked eye) and "macrocosm" (the universe as a whole).
The Greek root "tome" (τομή) means "cut" or "slice". It comes from the Greek verb "temnein" (τέμνειν), meaning "to cut". This root is also seen in other words such as "anatomy" (the study of bodily structures) and "atom" (meaning "indivisible" in Greek, referring to the smallest particle).
Similar spelling words for MACROTOME
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