What is the main purpose of fixation in histology?

The main purpose of fixation in histology is to prevent putrefaction and autolysis. Fixation is a critical step in the preparation of tissues for microscopic examination. It involves treating the tissue with chemicals that stabilize its structure and preserve it in a state as close to the living condition as possible.

By preventing putrefaction, which is the decay caused by bacterial action, and autolysis, the self-digestion that occurs when cells break down their own components, fixation allows for the preservation of tissue morphology and cellular structures. This stabilization is essential for ensuring that the tissue can be accurately analyzed under a microscope, allowing pathologists and researchers to study cellular details and diagnose conditions.

Other processes like promoting tissue growth and regeneration are not associated with fixation and pertain more to tissue engineering or regenerative medicine. Enhancing the color of tissues typically occurs during staining protocols, which take place after fixation; therefore, it is not a primary purpose of fixation. Ensuring complete cellular decomposition contradicts the essence of fixation, as it is intended to preserve the integrity of cellular structures rather than decompose them.