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.

1. 029BUCCAL 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

2. 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.
buccal smear
cover slip 
glass slide 
stain

3. Observe your preparation under the
low power of a microscope.
squamous epithelium
squamous epithelium
a single magnified cell