In the Holzer technique, glial fibers are stained with

• A. Crystal violet
• B. Hematoxylin
• C. Silver nitrate
• D. Methylene blue

Answer: (A)

In this staining technique, the goal is to visualize the glial framework, the network of glial fibrils that support nervous tissue. Crystal violet is used because, under Holzer staining conditions, this basic dye has an affinity for the components of glial fibers and will color them distinctly, making the glial processes stand out from other elements like neurons.

Hematoxylin would primarily stain nuclei and basophilic structures; methylene blue is a more general cytoplasmic/staining dye; silver nitrate is used in argentaffin/impregnation methods to reveal certain fibers or neurons. The Holzer approach specifically relies on crystal violet to highlight glial fibers, which is why it is the best choice.