12 Questions
What is the protein that makes up elastic threads?
Elastin
What is the diameter of elastic fibers?
1-4 microns
What is the purpose of the Elastica van Gieson staining kit?
To identify elastic fibers
Which of the following diseases can be identified through elastic tissue identification?
Emphysema
Which of the following dyes stains elastic fibers red-purple?
Saffron
Which cell type is primarily responsible for synthesizing and secreting proelastin?
Fibroblasts
What is the ideal section thickness for trichrome stain?
3-5 micrometers
Which stain is used to stain collagen fibers red?
Van Gieson stain
What is the color of elastic fibers when stained with Verhoeff stain?
Black-dark blue
Which stain is used to target molecules rich in carbohydrates?
Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) Reaction
What is the color of reticular fibers when observed using silver precipitation methods?
Black
What is the target cellular component of the Sudan and Osmium stain?
Lipid-containing structures
Study Notes
Elastic Fibers
- Least common type of connective tissue fiber in the organism
- Found in elastic cartilage, some ligaments, elastic arteries, and the lungs
- Diameter ranges from 1-4 microns
- Can form networks or membranes by anastomosis with each other
- Can also form parallel bundles in ligaments without branching
- Can be extremely elongated
- Made of the protein elastin
- Elastin is synthesized and secreted by fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells
- Proelastin, the precursor of elastin, polymerizes and takes the form of a fiber when released from the cell
Staining Elastic Fibers
- Elastic fibers stain weakly with Hematoxylin & Eosin
- Stained purple or dark blue with Resorcin-Fucsin and aldehyde-Fucsin
- Black-dark blue with Verhoeff paint
- Dark brown (cyclamen) with orcein
- Red-purple with saffron
Connective Tissue Stains
- Van Gieson stain: collagen fibers to red
- Mallory stain: collagen fibers to bright blue
- Light Green stain: collagen fibers to green
- Verhoeff stain: elastic fibers to black-dark blue
- Orcein stain: elastic fibers to dark brown (cyclamen)
- Safranalin stain: elastic fibers to red-purple
- Silver precipitation methods: reticular fibers appear as black, fine fiber webs
- PAS reaction: reticular fibers are PAS (+)
This quiz covers the structure and function of elastic fibers, a type of connective tissue fiber found in elastic cartilage, ligaments, and arteries. Learn about their diameter, formation, and composition.
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