Page 56 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

SECTION 2 Histologic Slide Interpretation

APPEARANCE OF HISTOLOGIC

SECTIONS PREPARED BY DIFFERENT

TYPES OF STAINS

Interpretation of histologic sections is greatly aided by the use of different stains,

which selectively stain certain specific properties in different cells, tissues, and
organs. The most prevalent stain that is used for preparation of histology slides is
the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Most of the images prepared for this

atlas were taken from slides that were stained with H&E stain. To show other
and more specific characteristic features of different cells, tissues, and organs,
other stains are also used.

Figures 1.1 to 1.9 feature descriptions of the nine different stains that were
used to prepare slides for this atlas, including their specific staining

characteristics.

HEMATOXYLIN AND EOSIN STAIN

Nuclei stain blue.
Cytoplasm stains pink or red.
Collagen fibers stain pink.

Muscles stain pink.

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