What are the basic treatment steps of tissue for bright field microscopy in order?

The correct sequence for the basic treatment steps of tissue preparation for bright field microscopy starts with fixation, followed by processing, embedding, microtomy, and finally staining. Each of these steps serves a specific purpose in preparing the tissue sample for observation under a microscope.

Beginning with fixation, this step is crucial as it preserves the cellular structure and prevents autolysis and decay, ensuring that the tissues are well-maintained for further processing. After fixation, processing involves dehydrating the tissue and clearing it, typically using solvents such as alcohol and xylene, to prepare it for embedding in a medium that supports the specimen.

Once the tissue is processed, embedding occurs, where the sample is infiltrated and surrounded by a medium like paraffin wax that solidifies. This allows the tissue to be cut into thin slices. The next step is microtomy, where the embedded tissue is sliced into thin sections using a microtome. Finally, staining is performed to enhance the contrast of the tissue components, making it easier to visualize under light microscopy.

This sequence is fundamental to the histological preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination, as each step builds upon the last to ensure optimal preservation and visualization of the specimen.