Which statement best describes the artifact described in the image related to mounting?

• A. The section was covered with a magnified coverslip
• B. The section was coverslipped improperly by mashing on the coverslip
• C. The section was left unfixed
• D. The section was stained incorrectly

Answer: (B)

The basic idea is that mounting artifacts come from the way the coverslip is applied. When a coverslip is pressed down too hard, it can physically crush and distort the tissue section as the mounting medium cures. This compression alters cellular morphology, producing flattened areas, distortion lines, or imprint-like artifacts that are characteristic of improper coverslipping. That’s why this option best fits an artifact seen in mounting.

In contrast, leaving a section unfixed would show degradation from autolysis or poor preservation rather than a mounting-imposed distortion, and staining errors or an unrelated description of a “magnified coverslip” don’t describe the mechanical compression artifact caused by pressing the coverslip down too forcefully.