What is a microtome?

microtome is a device used to cut extremely thin slices of material into samples called cuts. This is usually done when preparing items for microscopic examination. Mikrotomes are available in a number of designs using different cutting components. This is to accommodate the physical properties of the material to be prepared and the type of microscope to be used. A microscopic study of biological cuts is called histology.

In the sled, the material to be divided is held in a sliding shuttle, which moves over the surface of the blade. To prepare the material for slicing, infusion of paraffin wax or epoxy, the sample solidifies into the solid. The sample is then mounted in the microtome shuttle. Several different blade patterns are used depending on the sample consistency and the required section thickness. The blades can be metal, glass or diamond.

The cutting blade or knife in the rotary microtome is also in solid possession relative to the sample. The swivel of the flywheel is translated into the horizontal pbending of the sample over the knife. Usually, the sample reduction to the position is done manually via the control wheel. This feature has been automated in recent rotary samples and provided a more accurate cut.

The construction of a rotary microtome is usually used if cryogenic conditions are necessary. The solution takes place in the liquid chamber of nitrogen, allowing the sample to be stiffened to the glass state. The rotary construction is also used in the collection of ultramicrotome samples, where extremely thin cuts are needed. Very accurate production tolerances are required to ensure the accuracy necessary for the preparation of electron microscopy sections. Cutting blades are usually made of diamonds of gem quality.

Unlike mechanical micritomas that come into physical contact with the sample, laser mikřinová does not require the sample preparation. The cutting device is a pulse infrared laser. This allows a very accurate conThe sampling troll is equally applicable to soft tissues as well as hard materials such as bones. Removing physical contact with the sample material removes a large part of the contamination option.

For less strict applications, a student or a fan can use a hand microtome. This devize enables tissue sections to prepare the slip, albeit with much less accuracy than laboratory tools. The sample material is firmly held by the device and progresses to the cutting position through precise increments. The section is then removed by hand with a razor blade.