Dissecting Microscopy
Dissecting Microscopy - Related Videos
09:47
Dissection of Drosophila melanogaster Indirect Flight Muscles for Microscopy Approaches
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2025
Drosophila is a powerful model to understand fundamental mechanisms of myogenesis. This protocol for the dissection and preparation of thorax hemi-sections enables microscopy analysis of indirect flight muscle from both pupal and adult stages. This protocol enables confocal imaging of cellular morphology, protein localization, muscle structure, and multiple other aspects of myogenesis.
05:16
Single Drosophila Ommatidium Dissection and Imaging
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Cited by 1 •
2011
The limiting factor in the use of the adult Drosophila eye to study neurodegeneration and cell biology is the difficult imaging of intracellular processes. We describe the dissection of single ommatidia to generate a bona-fide primary neuronal cell culture, which can be subject to drug treatment and advanced imaging.
06:23
Immunostaining of Dissected Zebrafish Embryonic Heart
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Cited by 35 •
2012
A rapid way to conduct immunostaining of zebrafish embryonic heart is described. Compared to the whole mount immunostaining approach, this method dramatically increases the penetration of the antibodies, which allows obtaining high resolution images that reveal cellular/subcellular structures in the heart within a much reduced processing time.
12:02
Whole Mount Dissection and Immunofluorescence of the Adult Mouse Cochlea
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Cited by 85 •
2016
We present a method to isolate the adult organ of Corti as three intact cochlear turns (apex, middle, and base). We also demonstrate a procedure for immunostaining with fluorescently tagged antibodies. Together these techniques allow the study of hair cells, supporting cells, and other cell types found in the cochlea.
07:40
Dissection and Staining of Drosophila Larval Ovaries
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Cited by 28 •
2011
How niches and stem cells form during development is an important question with practical implications. In the Drosophila ovary, germ line stem cells and their somatic niches form during larval development. This video demonstrates how to dissect, stain and mount female gonads from late third instar (LL3) Drosophila larvae.
FAQs
Depth perception arises because each eye receives a view through its own optical path. The brain can compare these slightly different views, allowing the observer to judge the three-dimensional arrangement of structures rather than seeing only a flat image. This perspective is especially useful when examining or manipulating intact biological specimens.
Illumination choice affects which specimen features are visible during observation. Reflected illumination directs light onto the specimen's surface, whereas transmitted illumination passes light through it. Using either mode, as appropriate to the specimen, helps the observer examine biological material while preserving the spatial context supplied by the microscope. This flexibility supports work with organisms, embryos, organs, tissues, and other specimens.
Adjustable magnification lets the observer move between a broader view of the specimen and a closer examination of particular structures. Working distance provides the physical space needed to position and manipulate material beneath the optics. Together, these features support both inspection and hands-on tasks, such as dissection, sorting, and specimen preparation.
Dissecting microscopy preserves the overall spatial relationships of relatively large, three-dimensional specimens, whereas compound microscopy is useful when higher-resolution examination is needed. The two approaches therefore provide complementary information. A specimen can first be viewed and handled in its intact form, then prepared for further analysis when detailed microscopic examination requires a different imaging approach.
A basic workflow involves positioning the specimen for a clear view, selecting reflected or transmitted illumination, and adjusting magnification to match the level of detail required. The available working distance then permits direct handling while the specimen remains under observation. This arrangement supports examination, dissection, sorting, and preparation without requiring immediate sectioning.
The technique is well suited to relatively large organisms, embryos, organs, tissues, and other specimens that benefit from intact three-dimensional viewing. Researchers can use it to inspect structures, carry out dissections, sort biological material, or prepare specimens for subsequent analysis. Its broad field of view is particularly valuable when local details must be interpreted within the whole specimen.