A method for sectioning the delicate brains of small animals without removing them from the skull is described. A nitric acid-phloroglucin solution is used first to decalcify the bones of the head after which a very gradual dehydration procedure is employed to minimize separation of the soft and hard tissues which are being processed simultaneously. This method ensures excellent preservation and correct spatial localization of structures of the skull, central nervous system, and of the peripheral receptors, including their connections with the central nervous system. Photomicrographs of slides prepared using this method are presented and possible research applications are discussed.
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