During tissue cutting, surface chunks appear in the block. What is the most likely cause?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

During tissue cutting, surface chunks appear in the block. What is the most likely cause?

Excessive feeding of the block into the knife is the likely cause. When you crank the wheel too aggressively or push too much of the block forward, you apply too much cutting pressure at the knife-face. This can tear and pluck tissue from the surface, leaving chunks of tissue on the block itself as you continue cutting. To prevent this, advance the block slowly with a smooth, steady motion, keep the block properly trimmed and aligned, and use a sharp blade. If the blade is dull or poorly set, or the block is oversized, similar tearing can occur, but the characteristic surface chunks point to overfeeding and excessive cutting pressure.

Excessive feeding of the block into the knife is the likely cause. When you crank the wheel too aggressively or push too much of the block forward, you apply too much cutting pressure at the knife-face. This can tear and pluck tissue from the surface, leaving chunks of tissue on the block itself as you continue cutting. To prevent this, advance the block slowly with a smooth, steady motion, keep the block properly trimmed and aligned, and use a sharp blade. If the blade is dull or poorly set, or the block is oversized, similar tearing can occur, but the characteristic surface chunks point to overfeeding and excessive cutting pressure.

More practice questions