Abstract
The application of histochemical techniques to skeletal muscle heralded a new era in muscle pathology. Whilst fibres appear uniform in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, in frozen sections enzyme histochemistry reveals a heterogeneous fibre population. Both physiological and pathological changes may be selective for one or other fibre type. The identification of different fibre types has therefore enhanced our understanding of skeletal muscle pathology and provided a valuable diagnostic tool. Electron microscopy, measurements of fibre size and biochemical analysis may give additional information. Muscle biopsy is a relatively simple procedure, but to obtain the maximum information it is essential firstly to select the most appropriate site for biopsy and secondly to handle the specimen correctly. Rough treatment of the fresh specimen, or misguided fixation, can destroy important diagnostic clues and introduce spectacular artifacts (Figures 1.1 and 1.2).
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© 1985 Janice R. Anderson
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Anderson, J.R. (1985). Technical Methods and Normal Parameters. In: Atlas of Skeletal Muscle Pathology. Current Histopathology, vol 9. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4866-2_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4866-2_1
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