Which stain demonstrates axons?

• A. Bodian
• B. Luxol Fast Blue
• C. Holzer
• D. Bielschowsky

Answer: (A)

Staining that highlights axons relies on a method that directly impregnates and darkens the axonal processes so they stand out against the background. The Bodian stain uses a silver impregnation technique that specifically colors axons and nerve fibers dark, giving crisp, clear visualization of axonal paths in brain or spinal cord tissue. This makes it the go-to choice when the goal is to demonstrate axons clearly.

Luxol Fast Blue is a myelin stain, so it emphasizes the myelin sheaths around axons and is best for assessing white matter integrity, not for detailing the axons themselves. Bielschowsky also uses silver staining and can show axons and neurofibrils, but it’s not as selective for axons alone as Bodian. Holzer exists as another nerve-fiber-related stain, but it isn’t the standard choice for clearly demonstrating axons like Bodian is.