Which stain is commonly used to visualize elastic fibers in connective tissue?

• A. Verhoeff
• B. Masson Trichrome
• C. Gomori
• D. H&E

Answer: (A)

To visualize elastic fibers, you need a stain that binds specifically to elastin and makes those fibers stand out from the rest of the tissue. Verhoeff's stain does just that by coloring elastic fibers dark (usually black), providing strong contrast against the surrounding connective tissue. This makes the elastic network in structures like arteries and lungs easy to assess for integrity or pathology.

Other stains shown have different primary targets. Masson Trichrome emphasizes collagen (often blue or green) and muscle or cytoplasm in other colors, so elastic fibers aren’t clearly highlighted. H&E gives general tissue morphology but does not selectively stain elastin. Gomori methods are typically used for reticular fibers or basement membranes rather than elastic fibers.