What is the purpose of the embedding process in histology?

The embedding process in histology specifically involves infiltrating tissue with a supportive medium, typically paraffin or resin, to provide structural integrity during subsequent sectioning. This process is essential because many biological tissues are quite soft and fragile. By embedding them in a solid medium, histotechnologists can cut thin sections without damaging the tissues, which allows for the detailed examination needed in microscopic studies.

The embedding medium takes on the shape of the tissue and ensures that the cells and their morphological features are preserved in a way that facilitates clear visualization under a microscope. This is critical for accurate diagnosis and evaluation in clinical pathology and research settings. Additionally, the embedding medium must be compatible with the processes used in tissue processing, staining, and microscopy, which makes its role even more vital in producing high-quality tissue sections for examination.