Fixation: This step involves preserving the tissue to prevent decay and to maintain its natural structure. Common fixatives include formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. Embedding: The fixed tissue is then embedded in a medium, usually paraffin wax or resin, to provide support during sectioning. Sectioning: Using a microtome, the embedded tissue is sliced into very thin sections, generally ranging from 4 to 10 micrometers thick. Staining: To enhance the contrast and make specific structures visible, the sections are stained using various dyes, such as hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).
