Suitable for large specimens, tough tissues, nervous tissues, lymph nodes and embryos - CLEARING

Suitable for large specimens, tough tissues, nervous tissues, lymph nodes and embryos - CLEARING

• A. Benzene
• B. Chloroform
• C. Xylene
• D. Toluene

Answer: (B)

Clearing needs a solvent that can penetrate and replace alcohol throughout the tissue so paraffin can infiltrate. For large, tough, or lipid-rich tissues—like nervous tissue, bulky lymph nodes, and embryos—you want rapid penetration and good lipid solubility. Chloroform provides that penetrating power and clears lipid-rich areas effectively, allowing even paraffin infiltration in these challenging specimens. That makes it the best choice for these particular tissue types. While benzene is toxic and generally avoided, and xylene or toluene are viable alternatives, they may not clear large or very tough tissues as efficiently in this context.

Clearing needs a solvent that can penetrate and replace alcohol throughout the tissue so paraffin can infiltrate. For large, tough, or lipid-rich tissues—like nervous tissue, bulky lymph nodes, and embryos—you want rapid penetration and good lipid solubility. Chloroform provides that penetrating power and clears lipid-rich areas effectively, allowing even paraffin infiltration in these challenging specimens. That makes it the best choice for these particular tissue types. While benzene is toxic and generally avoided, and xylene or toluene are viable alternatives, they may not clear large or very tough tissues as efficiently in this context.