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Questions and Answers
Microtome knives are only made of metal.
Microtome knives are only made of metal.
False
Disposable blades are used to cut 1-2μm thick sections.
Disposable blades are used to cut 1-2μm thick sections.
False
Plano concave knives are used for cutting hard samples.
Plano concave knives are used for cutting hard samples.
False
Biconcave knives have concavity on one side of the cutting surface.
Biconcave knives have concavity on one side of the cutting surface.
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Wedge knives are only used for cutting soft materials.
Wedge knives are only used for cutting soft materials.
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Tool edge knives have a flat cutting edge.
Tool edge knives have a flat cutting edge.
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Microtome knives are the most important factor for making good sections.
Microtome knives are the most important factor for making good sections.
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There is only one type of microtome knife.
There is only one type of microtome knife.
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Study Notes
Microtome Knives
- Microtome knives are modeled according to the tissue to be sectioned and the embedding medium, making them the greatest single factor for making good sections.
- Knives come in many shapes, sizes, and materials to fit certain microtomes and to cope with different degrees of hardness of tissues and embedding media.
Types of Microtome Knives
- Metal knives:
- Standard steel
- Razor blade
- Non-metal knives:
- Glass
- Diamond
Disposable Blades
- Produce consistently high-quality sections
- Have replaced conventional microtome knives
- Provide a sharp edge for cutting 2-4μm thick sections
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
Types of Microtome Knives (continued)
- Plano concave knife:
- One side of the cutting surface is flat, 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
- Used with sledge and rotary microtomes
- Biconcave knife:
- Classical knife shape with concavity on both sides
- Introduced by Heiffor
- Used with rocking microtome and sledge microtome
- Length: 100-250mm
- Less rigid and prone to vibration
- Wedge knife:
- 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:
- Wedge knife with steep cutting edge
- Used for hard objects (undecalcified bone)
- Has a detachable handle (to screw with holder)
- Stable for a long time
- Requires more force to achieve the cut
- Varying lengths available (80mm for freezing microtome, 240mm for base sledge microtome)
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of microtome knives, their importance in making good sections, and the various types of knives available for different tissues and embedding media.
