Histopathology basics · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following sequences correctly describes the standard steps in preparing a tissue section for light-microscopy histopathology staining?

  1. Sectioning → fixation → embedding → staining
  2. Fixation → dehydration → embedding → sectioning → staining
  3. Embedding → fixation → sectioning → staining → dehydration
  4. Dehydration → sectioning → embedding → staining
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Correct answer: Fixation → dehydration → embedding → sectioning → staining

Standard tissue processing involves fixation (to preserve tissues), dehydration (removing water), embedding (e.g., paraffin), sectioning into thin slices, then staining for microscopic evaluation. This order preserves morphology and allows proper staining.

Difficulty: Medium Question 8 of 22

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