029 BUCCAL SMEAR

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029 BUCCAL SMEAR
Cells lining the inside of cheeks are called as
stratified squamous epithelium. They are the
surface of the mucous membrane. These flat,
scale-like buccal cells are shed constantly as
the tissue is renewed. By gently scraping the
inside of the cheek, these cells can be harvested
and observed under a microscope.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Slides, cover slips, tap water microscope Paper
towel, or absorbent paper 0.3 Methylene Blue or
Ink
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stain
Gently scrap the inside of the cheek with your
own nail or a toothpick or swab. Transfer on a
clean glass slide. Place a drop of 0.3 methylene
blue on the specimen. Let stain for 1 minute.
Rinse off the excess stain with slow addition of
tap water. Blot dry the preparation with paper
towel or absorbent paper. Place a cover slip over
the stained cells and observe under the low power
of the microscope.
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squamous epithelium
Observe your preparation under the low power of
a microscope.
squamous epithelium a single magnified cell