What is Tissue Sectioning?
Tissue sectioning is a crucial step in the preparation of specimens for
histological examination. It involves cutting thin slices of tissue, typically between 3 to 5 micrometers thick, to be analyzed under a
microscope.
Why is Tissue Sectioning Important?
The primary objective of tissue sectioning is to create thin, uniform slices that allow for detailed examination of cellular and extracellular components. This process enhances the visualization of
stains and other diagnostic markers, providing clearer insight into the structure and function of tissues.
Fixation: Preserving the tissue from decay and maintaining its structure.
Embedding: Enclosing the tissue in a supportive medium such as paraffin wax to facilitate slicing.
Sectioning: Cutting the embedded tissue into thin slices using a
microtome.
Mounting: Placing the tissue sections on a glass slide for examination.
Staining: Applying dyes to highlight specific cellular components.
Artifacts: Imperfections introduced during the sectioning process that can obscure diagnostic features.
Tissue Hardness: Variability in tissue hardness can make uniform sectioning difficult.
Orientation: Ensuring the tissue is correctly oriented in the embedding medium to obtain sections that best reveal the structures of interest.
Conclusion
Tissue sectioning is a fundamental procedure in histology that enables the detailed study of tissue specimens. Understanding the steps, equipment, challenges, and applications of tissue sectioning is crucial for producing high-quality histological preparations and obtaining accurate diagnostic information.
