8 Questions
What is the primary factor that determines the quality of microtome sections?
The quality of the microtome knife
What are the two main types of materials used to make microtome knives?
Metal and non-metal
What is the advantage of using disposable blades in microtomy?
They produce consistently high-quality sections
What is the characteristic of a Plano Concave knife?
It has a flat surface on one side and a concave surface on the other
Which type of microtome knife is known for its standard profile?
Wedge knife
What is the characteristic of a Biconcave knife?
It has concavity on both sides
What is the characteristic of a Tool Edge knife?
It has a steep cutting edge
What is the advantage of using a Tool Edge knife?
It is more stable for a long time
Study Notes
Microtome Knives
- Microtome knives are designed according to the tissue to be sectioned and the embedding medium.
- The choice of microtome knife is the greatest single factor in making good sections.
Types of Microtome Knives
- Metal microtome knives: made of standard steel and razor blade.
- Non-metal microtome knives: made of glass and diamond.
- Disposable blades: produce high-quality sections, have replaced conventional microtome knives, and provide a sharp edge for cutting 2-4μm thick sections.
Plano Concave Knife
- One side of the cutting surface is flat, and the other is concave with different degrees of concavity.
- Extremely sharp but delicate.
- Used for cutting soft samples like nitrocellulose embedded tissues.
- The plane surface is closest to the tissue block.
- Suitable for sledge and rotary microtomes.
Biconcave Knife
- Classical knife shape with concavity on both sides.
- Introduced by Heiffor.
- Suitable for rocking microtomes and sledge microtomes.
- Length: 100-250mm.
- Less rigid and prone to vibration.
Wedge Knife
- Can be used in all types of microtomes to cut all types of materials.
- Both cutting surfaces are plane.
- Known as standard profile.
- Size: 100-350mm.
Tool Edge / Chisel Knife
- A wedge knife with a steep cutting edge.
- Used for hard objects like undecalcified bone.
- Has a detachable handle that can be screwed onto a holder.
- The wedge knife is stable for a long time.
- Requires more force to achieve a cut.
- Available in varying lengths: 80mm for freezing microtomes and 240mm for base sledge microtomes.
Learn about the different types of microtome knives used in histology, including metal, non-metal, and disposable blades, and their importance in making good sections.
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