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

Not using iron hematoxylin can contribute to pale nuclear staining in Masson Trichrome. Which choice correctly states this cause?

Nuclear staining in Masson Trichrome comes from the iron hematoxylin step, which deposits a blue‑black color in the nuclei and provides the necessary contrast against the rest of the tissue. If you skip using iron hematoxylin, there’s no strong nuclear chromogen to bind DNA, so the nuclei appear pale while the other structures pick up their colors from the subsequent dyes. This direct absence of the nuclear stain explains the pale nuclear appearance, making the lack of iron hematoxylin the best explanation.

Nuclear staining in Masson Trichrome comes from the iron hematoxylin step, which deposits a blue‑black color in the nuclei and provides the necessary contrast against the rest of the tissue. If you skip using iron hematoxylin, there’s no strong nuclear chromogen to bind DNA, so the nuclei appear pale while the other structures pick up their colors from the subsequent dyes. This direct absence of the nuclear stain explains the pale nuclear appearance, making the lack of iron hematoxylin the best explanation.