Lesson 7: Trimming and Facing

Question 1

Dimensions of the tissue block

Answer 1

2mm from tissue to the side of the pyramid
5mm height
1 inch length

Question 1

To expose the tissue in preparation for cutting

Answer 1

Trimming

Question 2

In trimming, wax is removed with a sharp knife (cutter) until ____ inch remains on all sides of the tissue

Answer 2

1/8

Question 3

What shape should the block be?

Answer 3

Truncated pyramid with a trapezoidal upper surface

Question 3

2 Types of Cutting

Answer 3

Coarse Facing
Fine Trimming

Question 4

It is done in the microtome at approximately “30 microns at a time” until the entire surface is exposed

Answer 4

Coarse Facing

Question 5

Done by either setting the thickness adjuster at “15mm” or by advancing the block using the course feed mechanism

Answer 5

Fine Trimming

Question 6

In Fine Trimming, the knife is usually tilted at __ to__ angulation on a microtome to allow a clearance angle between the cutting facet and the tissue block

Answer 6

0-15

Question 7

It is the best way to preserve specimens

Answer 7

Refrigeration

Question 8

An excess paraffin will cause ________ of the sections and will hinder flattening of the sections

Answer 8

wrinkling