The problem in the image is due to

• A. Incomplete Dehydration Of The Section
• B. Overstaining
• C. Insufficient Clearing
• D. Inadequate Fixation

Answer: (A)

Residual water left in the tissue from incomplete dehydration disrupts the embedding and staining process. When water remains, paraffin cannot fully replace it, so infiltration is incomplete and sections become soft, fragile, or poorly attached. This also causes uneven dye uptake, leading to sections that stain inconsistently or appear pale and patchy. The image artifact you see is typical of moisture in the tissue that interferes with both embedding and subsequent staining.

To prevent this, complete the dehydration thoroughly through the full ethanol series (including the final 100% ethanol steps) and ensure the tissue is completely free of water before clearing and infiltrating with paraffin.