Crystal violet demonstrates which tissue component?

• A. Astrocytes and glial fibers
• B. Nissl substance
• C. Myelin
• D. Axons

Answer: (A)

Crystal violet is a basic dye that binds strongly to negatively charged cellular components, making structures rich in glial material stand out. In nervous tissue, the astrocyte network and glial fibers form a prominent, filamentous framework that takes up this dye readily, so astrocytes and their processes appear prominently stained. Nissl substance (ribosomal RNA) is better highlighted by cresyl violet or thionin; myelin is best shown with lipid-specific stains like Luxol fast blue; and axons are typically demonstrated with silver stains or other specialized methods. Thus crystal violet best highlights the astrocyte network and glial fibers.