Histology Stains

Question 1

Hematoxylin (commonly, nucleus, cytoplasm, RBCs, Collagen, Specifically)

Answer 1

Commonly used: General staining with Eosin

Nucleus: BLUE

Cytoplasm: Stains RER and ribosomes

RBCs: -

Collagen: -

Specifically stains: Nucleic acids; blue

Question 2

Eosin

Answer 2

Commonly used: General staining with hematoxylin

Nucleus: -

Cytoplasm: PINK esp when many mito are present

RBCs: Orange/red

Collagen: PINK

Specifically stains: elastic fibers pink; reticular fibers pink

Question 3

Masson’s Trichrome

Answer 3

Commonly used: connective tissue

Nucleus: Black

Cytoplasm: RED/PINK

RBCs: RED

Collagen: Blue/green

Specifically stains: cartilage blue/green; muscle fibers red

Question 4

Mallory’s trichrome

Answer 4

Commonly: connective tissue

Nucleus: RED

Cytoplasm: Pale red

RBCs: Orange

Collagen: deep blue

Specifically: keratin orange; cartilage blue; bone matrix deep blue; muscle fibers red

Question 5

PAS

Answer 5

Commonly: basement membrane, carbs

Nucleus: Blue

Cytoplasm: -

RBCs: -

Collagen: PINK

Specifically: glycogen and other carbs magenta