What is the purpose of Schmorl's reagent?

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

What is the purpose of Schmorl's reagent?

Schmorl's reagent is used to reveal pigmented substances in tissue, specifically melanin and lipofuscin. These pigments take on a dark coloration with this reagent, making them easy to spot against the surrounding tissue under a light microscope. It’s not used for staining collagen, calcium deposits, or nucleic acids, which are identified with different stains (such as collagen with Masson's trichrome, calcium with von Kossa or Alizarin Red, and nucleic acids with hematoxylin or Feulgen).

Schmorl's reagent is used to reveal pigmented substances in tissue, specifically melanin and lipofuscin. These pigments take on a dark coloration with this reagent, making them easy to spot against the surrounding tissue under a light microscope. It’s not used for staining collagen, calcium deposits, or nucleic acids, which are identified with different stains (such as collagen with Masson's trichrome, calcium with von Kossa or Alizarin Red, and nucleic acids with hematoxylin or Feulgen).

More practice questions