Histological Artifacts · Histology

A 'venetian blind' appearance in a tissue section, characterized by parallel cracks or splits, is most frequently associated with:

  1. Inadequate fixation of the tissue
  2. Fungal contamination of the tissue
  3. Prolonged use of an automated tissue stainer
  4. Tissue being too brittle or over-dehydrated
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Correct answer: Tissue being too brittle or over-dehydrated

Over-processing, particularly excessive time in alcohols or heat, removes bound water and makes tissue brittle. This brittleness causes the tissue to crack or fracture during microtomy, resembling horizontal blinds.

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