Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of cerebellum in embalmed and fresh cadavers.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The study is to examine the quality of the histological slide of cerebellum in embalmed cadaver when compares with fresh specimen or the standard textbook by using light and transmission electron microscopic studies. Method: The cerebellums were chosen from the embalmed cadavers who donated their bodies to the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. These cerebellums were prepared by two techniques for light and electron microscopic studies. The visualization of the cerebellar microscopic slides were compared with the fresh specimens or standard textbooks. Results: The cerebellar sections which were obtained from the cadaveric cerebellar embalmed were suitable for making the microscopic slides that can be used for studying histology of the medical students. From light microscopic study, the microscopic structures are as good appearances as in the standard textbooks. Some specimens have better microscopic structural appearances. The fixative formula is suitable for light microscopic study but not suitable for transmissiom electron microscopic study. Conclusion: The microscopic slides from sections of the cerebellums which were obtained from the embalmed cadavers which have been fixed by Siriraj fixative formula and kept in soaking preservative formula for 1 year and have been dissected for studying gross anatomy and neuroanatomy by the medical student under room temperature can be used for microscopic slides that suitable for further teaching or stydying histology.