microtome
Specimen section cutter
A microtome is a precision instrument for cutting extremely thin slices of material—typically biological tissue—for examination under a microscope.
The sections may be only a few micrometers thick.
The lab technician mounted the specimen and adjusted the microtome.
The device works by advancing the sample past a very sharp blade in controlled increments.
Flat cutting edge
- knifeSharp cutting utensil
- rotaryInvolving circular motion
- cryostatMaintains cryogenic temperatures
- holderOne who possesses
chuck · handwheel · advancement · retraction · motorized · manual
Disposable soft paper
- sectioningDividing into segments
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
- pathologyStudy of disease processes
- stainingApplying dye or pigment
embedding · paraffin · fixation · morphology · histopathology · specimen · decalcification · infiltration
Dividing into segments
- cuttingDividing via sharp edge
- slicingCutting into portions
- water-bathContainer in heated liquid
- flotationAbility to stay afloat
mounting · orientation · trimming · facing
Smooth continuous movement
- micrographMicroscope photograph
- SEMAds or microscopy abbreviation
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- magnificationDegree of visual enlargement
Millionth of a meter
- thicknessDepth of material
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
- fine-tuningSmall precise optimization adjustments
accuracy · uniformity · consistency · micrometer · nanometer · tolerance · reproducibility
blade
Flat cutting edge
holder · chuck · handwheel · advancement · retraction · motorized · manual
tissue
Disposable soft paper
- sectioningDividing into segments
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
- pathologyStudy of disease processes
staining · embedding · paraffin · fixation · morphology · histopathology · specimen · decalcification · infiltration · cassette
sectioning
Dividing into segments
- cuttingDividing via sharp edge
- slicingCutting into portions
- water-bathContainer in heated liquid
flotation · mounting · orientation · trimming · facing
slide
Smooth continuous movement
- micrographMicroscope photograph
- SEMAds or microscopy abbreviation
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
micron
Millionth of a meter
- thicknessDepth of material
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
fine-tuning · accuracy · uniformity · consistency · micrometer · nanometer · tolerance · reproducibility
microtomecleaver
Broad-bladed cutting tool
machete · axe · chainsaw · hatchet · meat cleaver
microtomesledgehammer
Massive long-handled mallet
wrecking ball · jackhammer · wood chipper · meat grinder · rock crusher
anatomy, tome, microscope, epitome, micro, microbe, microcosm, micronize, micronizing