Question:
Most common fixative used in histology
Most common fixative used in histology
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Neutral buffered formalin is the gold standard fixative in medical, veterinary, and aquaculture histology labs worldwide.
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
- Distilled water
- Phosphate buffer
- Acetic acid
- Formalin
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Histology involves the study of tissue microanatomy. Tissue fixation is the critical first step to preserve cellular structure and prevent autolysis or microbial decay.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A fixative stabilizes proteins and cell components by forming cross-links.
Formalin (specifically \(10\%\) Neutral Buffered Formalin, which contains \(4\%\) formaldehyde) is the most widely used general-purpose fixative in histology.
It penetrates tissues rapidly, causes minimal tissue shrinkage, preserves tissue architecture exceptionally well, and is compatible with most staining procedures.
Distilled water and phosphate buffers do not fix tissue (distilled water actually causes osmotic cell lysis).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Formalin is the most common fixative used in histological preparations.
Histology involves the study of tissue microanatomy. Tissue fixation is the critical first step to preserve cellular structure and prevent autolysis or microbial decay.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A fixative stabilizes proteins and cell components by forming cross-links.
Formalin (specifically \(10\%\) Neutral Buffered Formalin, which contains \(4\%\) formaldehyde) is the most widely used general-purpose fixative in histology.
It penetrates tissues rapidly, causes minimal tissue shrinkage, preserves tissue architecture exceptionally well, and is compatible with most staining procedures.
Distilled water and phosphate buffers do not fix tissue (distilled water actually causes osmotic cell lysis).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Formalin is the most common fixative used in histological preparations.
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