Brain is stored in which preservative for autopsy study?
**Core Concept**
The storage of brain tissue in a preservative is crucial for autopsy studies to maintain its structural and cellular integrity. Formalin is a commonly used preservative that helps in preserving the brain tissue for histopathological examination.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Formalin, a solution of formaldehyde, is used as a preservative for brain tissue in autopsy studies. Formaldehyde cross-links proteins and other cellular components, preventing degradation and maintaining the tissue's structure. This allows for detailed examination of the brain's morphology and histology, which is essential for diagnosing various neurological disorders. Formalin fixation is a standard procedure in neuropathology, enabling the study of brain pathology in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Glutaraldehyde is another fixative used in histology, but it is not the primary preservative used for brain tissue in autopsy studies.
**Option B:** Phenol is a disinfectant and preservative used in some histological preparations, but it is not typically used for brain tissue preservation in autopsy studies.
**Option C:** Ethanol is a solvent used in some histological stains, but it is not a suitable preservative for brain tissue in autopsy studies.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
For autopsy studies, it is essential to store brain tissue in formalin to maintain its integrity for histopathological examination. This is crucial for diagnosing and understanding various neurological disorders.
**Correct Answer: C. Formalin. Formalin is used as a preservative for brain tissue in autopsy studies.**