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Microtomy · Pathology

What is 'compression' in microtomy, and how is it usually corrected?

  1. The tissue expands on the water bath; corrected by lowering the water temperature
  2. The section is compressed shorter by the knife; corrected by floating on a warm water bath
  3. The block is squeezed in the chuck holder; corrected by loosening the clamp
  4. The knife blade bends during cutting; corrected by honing and replacement
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Correct answer: The section is compressed shorter by the knife; corrected by floating on a warm water bath

Compression occurs when the tissue is pushed together by the force of the knife during cutting. Placing the section on a warm water bath allows the paraffin to soften slightly and return to its original dimensions.

Difficulty: Medium Question 15 of 20

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