Hematoxylin

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Hematoxylin

Hematoxylin (pronounced: heh-muh-tox-uh-lin) is a basic dye used in staining biological tissues. It is derived from the heartwood of the logwood tree, Haematoxylum campechianum.

Etymology

The term "hematoxylin" is derived from the Greek words "haima" meaning "blood" and "xylon" meaning "wood". This is in reference to the red color of the heartwood of the logwood tree from which it is extracted.

Usage

Hematoxylin is commonly used in combination with eosin, a process known as H&E staining, to provide contrast in the microscopic examination of tissues. Hematoxylin stains cell nuclei blue, while eosin stains the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix pink. This contrast allows for the differentiation of various cell and tissue types, making it a fundamental technique in histology and pathology.

Related Terms

  • Eosin: An acidic dye used in combination with hematoxylin in H&E staining.
  • H&E staining: A common method for staining histological sections, allowing for the visualization of tissue and cell structures.
  • Histology: The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.
  • Pathology: The study of disease, including the causes, processes, development, and consequences.

See Also

  • Staining (biology): The process of coloring biological tissues with a dye for microscopic examination.
  • Histopathology: The microscopic examination of tissue in order to study the manifestations of disease.

External links

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