When sectioning extremely hard tissues like decalcified bone or uterus, which type of knife edge is most appropriate?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Chisel-shaped (profile D)
Chisel-shaped knives (Profile D) have a heavy, stable edge that resists the deflection encountered when cutting hard materials. Wedge-shaped knives are more common for routine paraffin work.
Keep practicing
More Microtomy questions
- Which of the following will result in 'scored' or 'split' sections where a line runs through the entire ribbon?
- What is the purpose of 'trimming' or 'facing' the block before taking actual sections?
- Which additive is commonly used in a water bath to help sections adhere better to the glass slide?
- What is the typical thickness required for 'ultra-thin' sections in electron microscopy?
- A technician notices that the paraffin ribbon is curving to one side. What is the most likely cause?
- Which of the following is a disadvantage of using frozen sections (cryostat) compared to paraffin sections?