The problem is most frequently the result of which condition?

• A. Over dehydration
• B. Under dehydration
• C. Improper embedding
• D. Temperature fluctuation

Answer: (A)

Over-dehydration makes tissue overly dry and brittle, which is a common cause of problems during embedding and microtomy. When tissue spends too long in dehydration solvents or is exposed to high-concentration alcohols beyond what's needed, it loses moisture to the point of excessive shrinkage and hardness. That brittleness makes sections crack, fracture, or tear as they are cut, and ribbons may split or crumble, yielding poor morphology and uneven staining. Under dehydration leaves residual water that can hinder paraffin infiltration, producing soft, gummy blocks rather than brittle ones, while temperature fluctuations can cause artifacts but are less frequently the primary source of these embedding-sectioning issues.