The preparation of histopathological images involves several critical steps:
1. Fixation: This process preserves the tissue by preventing decay and autolysis. Common fixatives include formalin and glutaraldehyde. 2. Embedding: The fixed tissue is embedded in a medium such as paraffin wax to provide stability for sectioning. 3. Sectioning: Thin slices of tissue are cut using a microtome to allow for detailed examination under a microscope. 4. Staining: Stains like Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) are applied to enhance the contrast of cellular components, making it easier to identify specific structures and anomalies.