Slide #DMS 054 [Ectocervix; Masson's trichrome]. This is another example of dense, irregularly fibrous connective tissue. The section was stained by the Masson's trichrome technique (one of the so-called "connective tissue stains"). Epithelium and muscle stains varying shades of red to purple; collagen is colored a deep green due to the light green (an aniline dye) component of this stain. Study the collagen bundles at high power and identify the interspersed fibroblasts.
This low power view of a portion of the uterine cervix (the ectocervix) illustrates the appearance of tissue stained with a common connective tissue stain, Masson's trichrome. With this stain, collagen appears greenish, while epithelial and muscle tissues stain a reddish color.
At medium power, the abundance of dense irregular connective tissue (stained green) may be appreciated. Some small bundles of smooth muscle tissue, and the smooth muscle surrounding a large blood vessel may also be seen.
At high power, the fibrous architecture of this connective tissue can be easily appreciated. Occasional smooth muscle cells are scattered amongst the abundant collagen fibers (stained green).