A Device for thin Sectioning of Hard Tissues

Abstract

A machine was constructed that routinely can cut practically polished sections ready for study from samples of hard tissues such as bone and teeth. Sections as thin as 10 [mu] to 40 [mu] in thickness are obtained, depending upon the nature of the hard tissue. Any adhering soft tissue is preserved, and soft tissue alone can be sectioned even thinner than the hard tissues. Basically, the machine consists of a circular steel saw blade held horizontally by a vertically mounted motor which is vertically adjustable in micron increments. The sample is clamped to a milling table providing accurate positioning in the horizontal plane. The table is powered to feed the sample automatically to the saw. Saw marks are minimal obviating any grinding or polishing step, and a water mist or bath prevents overheating and drying during cutting. Sample loss during serial sectioning can be held to the blade thickness of 150 [mu]. Special sample preparation is required only for soft tissues. These sectioning results are illustrated with photomicrographs of teeth, bone, and adjacent tissues. A second similar device composed only of available machine tool components is described for routine but less precise cutting of hard tissues.