The statement 'Masson trichrome and Phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin are used to demonstrate elastic tissue' is:

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

To visualize elastic tissue you need a stain that specifically targets elastin fibers. Verhoeff-Van Gieson, Weigert’s elastic stain, or Orcein are the stains that reliably highlight elastic fibers. Masson trichrome mainly differentiates collagen (green/blue) from muscle (red) and other components, but it does not reliably reveal elastin. Phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin emphasizes muscle cross-striations and fibrin, not elastic fibers. So the statement is false. If you’re aiming to show elastic tissue, use an elastic-specific stain like Verhoeff-Van Gieson, Weigert’s elastic stain, or Orcein.