Microdissection is a word that poses a challenge to spellers due to its length and complexity. The word is pronounced as /maɪkroʊdɪsˈɛkʃən/ according to the IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "MY-kroh" with a long "I" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "dih-SEK-shun" with a short "I" sound followed by the emphasized "E" sound. The final syllable has the stress on the "shun" sound. Microdissection refers to the technique of dissecting and analyzing small structures or samples, especially in the field of biology.
Microdissection is a specialized technique in the field of biology and medicine that involves the precise isolation and removal of small samples of tissue or specific cells from a larger biological sample or specimen. It is commonly used in research, diagnostics, and clinical settings to study individual cells or specific regions of tissue with high precision.
The process of microdissection usually begins with the careful selection of the target tissue or cells. Next, a microdissection instrument, such as a laser microdissection system or a fine needle, is used to excise the desired sample under a microscope. This microdissection instrument allows researchers to selectively isolate and separate the target cells or tissue from the surrounding ones, minimizing contamination and preserving the integrity of the sample.
Microdissection techniques have evolved significantly with the advent of advanced technologies, such as laser capture microdissection (LCM), which uses a laser beam to precisely cut and capture the desired cells directly onto a special membrane for subsequent analysis.
Microdissection offers numerous advantages, such as the ability to study specific cell types within a heterogeneous population, to investigate small anatomical structures, and to extract DNA, RNA, or proteins from a limited number of cells. Additionally, it allows researchers to perform molecular analyses on specific regions of tissue in order to gain insights into their genetic or molecular composition.
Overall, microdissection is a powerful tool in biomedical research and diagnostics that enables the isolation and examination of minute areas or specific cells from larger biological samples, promoting a deeper understanding of complex biological systems and diseases.
Dissection of tissues under a microscope or magnifying glass, usually done by teasing the tissues apart by means of needles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "microdissection" originates from the combination of two words: "micro" and "dissection".
1. "Micro" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning "small" or "tiny". It is commonly used as a prefix in scientific and technical terms to indicate something that is very small or involves minute measurements.
2. "Dissection" comes from the Latin word "dissecare", which means "to cut apart" or "to dissect". It refers to the process of carefully separating tissues or organs to study their structure and function in detail.
Therefore, "microdissection" combines the concept of performing dissection on a microscopic scale. In scientific and medical contexts, microdissection typically refers to the process of isolating and extracting specific cells, tissues, or structures using microscopic tools and techniques.