Calcium is a soft, silvery-white, metallic element first isolated by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808. Occurring naturally in limestone, fluorite, and gypsum, this mineral is classified as an alkaline earth metal. As a primary constituent of bones, teeth, and shells, calcium phosphate is an essential mineral compound found in all living organisms.

Carbonate and phosphate salts, which are slightly soluble in water, are the primary constituents of bones. Acid-based decalcifying agents must be used to enhance the solubility of the metallic salts, and are designed to release calcium ions. Once mineral deposits are sufficiently softened, proper specimen sectioning can begin. Preparation of bones and other calcified tissue typically is achieved by soaking the sample for a required length of time in solutions that contain decalcifiers.

Many decalcifying products contain additional chelating agents to remove minerals from tissue samples. A prime concern is that while removing calcium, fine cellular structures, and details of red blood cells, muscle tissue, or cancer cells may be lost. Buffers may be incorporated into solutions in order to prevent possible distortion and swelling of cells and diagnostic features. Solutions are also formulated so that specimens undergoing processing retain affinity for stains that are subsequently applied, so that details of cellular structures may be revealed.

BACK TO LOES MODDERMAN GALLERY

Questions or comments? Send us an email.

Photomicrographs are © 2000-2022 by Loes Modderman.
All Rights Reserved under copyright law.

© 1995-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, software, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.

This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

Last modification: Friday, Nov 13, 2015 at 01:18 PM

Access Count Since February 15, 2002: 11953

Microscopes provided by: