Bielschowski staining is commonly used to visualize which neural pathology feature?

• A. Senile plaque
• B. Nissl bodies
• C. Myelin sheaths
• D. Astrocytic processes

Answer: (A)

Bielschowski staining is a silver impregnation technique used in neuropathology to reveal delicate neural structures and Alzheimer-related lesions. It highlights neurofibrillary tangles and, importantly for this question, the extracellular senile (neuritic) plaques made of amyloid deposits. These dark-staining plaques stand out against the lighter tissue and are a classic feature looked for in Alzheimer’s disease. Nissl bodies, myelin sheaths, and astrocytic processes are identified with other specific stains, not this silver method. So the feature best visualized by Bielschowski staining among the options is the senile plaque.