Normal histology of the nasal cavity and application of special techniques.

There are three major epithelial types in the nasal mucosa, in addition to numerous accessory structures, some of which are species specific. Without careful and consistent processing of the nose tissue, histopathologic assessment of lesions in the nasal cavity may be compromised. While formalin fixation may be used for routine review of the nasal cavity, Bouin's fixation provides better histologic detail and fewer artifacts. Decalcification is not recommended for nasal tissues to be examined by transmission electron microscopy because of the detrimental effect of decalcifying solutions on sensory cells. Three levels of the nasal cavity may be used for routine histologic review of the nasal cavity, but four or five levels may be more appropriate for certain studies.