A Basic Guide for Sampling and Preparation of Extant and Fossil Bones for Histological Studies

Abstract

The study of bone microstructure of fossil vertebrates (i.e., paleohistology) has demonstrated to be a very important source of paleobiological information. Paleohistological studies are based on the standardized analysis of petrographic thin sections. Although the development of new technologies (e.g., microtomography) have provided non-destructive procedures for the study the fossil tissues, thin sections are still the main source of information in paleohistology. In this contribution, we provide a detailed protocol for sampling and thin-sectioning preparation of bone tissue from both fossil and extant vertebrates. We describe the most common procedures for sampling and also some particularities related to variations in equipment and sampling techniques. The main goal of this contribution is to offer an alternative protocol for research teams of recent formation and/or with limited funding.

Osteohistology of the hyperelongate hemispinous processes of Amargasaurus cazaui (Dinosauria: Sauropoda): Implications for soft tissue reconstruction and functional significance

“…Histological thin sections were performed in the Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio (Trelew, Argentina) and the Paleohistological Laboratory of the Museo Provincial Carlos Ameghino (Cipolletti, Río Negro Province, Argentina) following standard procedures (e.g. Cerda et al, 2020; Chinsamy & Raath, 1992). The thin sections were studied using petrographic polarizing microscopes (BestScope and Leica DM 750P).…”

“…In the case of MACN PV N15, complete sections of around 20 mm thickness were obtained using a Dremel® rotary tool equipped with a thin diamond-edged saw. To avoid loss of anatomical information, mould and casts of the extracted samples were made and replaced in the original hemispinous processes (Cerda et al, 2020). For comparative purpose, histological sections from extant mammals were also sampled and studied.…”

New data on the palaeosteohistology and growth dynamic of the notosuchian Araripesuchus Price, 1959

“…The specimens were prepared using standard procedures for undecalcified bones (Chinsamy & Raath 1992; Cerda et al . 2020). The preparation of histological sections was carried out in the Palaeohistological Laboratory of the MPCA.…”

A Late Cretaceous dinosaur and crocodyliform faunal association–based on isolate teeth and osteoderms–at Cerro Fortaleza Formation (Campanian-Maastrichtian) type locality, Santa Cruz, Argentina

“…Histological thin sections from two dermal ossicles (MPM-PV-18805.19 and 18805.22) were prepared at the Carlos Ameghino Museum (Cipolletti, Río Negro Province, Argentina). The slices were prepared using standard methods outlined by Cerda et al [ 30 ] and studied using a petrographic polarizing microscope (Leica DM 750P). The nomenclature and definitions of structures used in this study are derived from Francillon-Vieillot et al [ 31 ] and Cerda et al [ 32 ].…”