A training course entitled “Fundamentals and Skills of Histological Sectioning and Preparation” was organized under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Science for Women, Professor Dr. Sameera Naji Khdim. The Continuing Education Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Biology, held this course.
The course was presented by Dr. Zainab Karim Khuraibit and Dr. Aven Ramadan Mohsen. It was conducted in Abdul Hakim Hall and attended by a number of faculty members, staff, and female students of the department.
The course aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in the field of histological sectioning and preparation, which constitutes a fundamental component of scientific and research studies in the life sciences and medicine. Histological preparation was defined as the set of procedures through which tissue samples are prepared for microscopic examination, while histological sectioning refers to the process of cutting thin slices of prepared tissues to enable accurate analysis of their structure and function.
During the course, various methods of histological preparation were reviewed. These included fixation, which preserves tissues from degradation while maintaining their natural structure; dehydration and embedding, which prepare tissues for sectioning using appropriate materials such as paraffin; microtomy (sectioning), which involves cutting thin sections using a microtome for microscopic examination; and staining, which is used to highlight different cellular and tissue components.
The course also addressed the importance of precise techniques in histological preparation and sectioning to ensure the quality and integrity of samples. In addition, it explained the use of essential instruments and equipment, such as microtomes and microscopes, along with safety procedures followed in histology laboratories. The course witnessed notable engagement from participants through active interaction with the organizers.
