Purposes of the Embedding Task

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Purposes of the Embedding Task

  1. The paraffin provides a means to secure the specimen in a specific 3-D orientation, demonstrating specific surfaces and features important for diagnosis on the final microscope slide.
  2. The paraffin supports the tissue section's microstructure and morphology by infiltrating the molten state within these components. When the paraffin hardens into its crystalline matrix, it supports these structures to reduce the distortion caused by the resistance that occurs as they meet the microtome blade.
  3. In its solidified state, the hardened wax secures the specimen identification information transcribed on the tissue cassette to the hardened block containing the tissue specimen.
  4. The hardened wax protects the specimen during long-term block storage.