To prepare tissue samples, pathologists follow several steps: fixation, embedding, sectioning, and staining. Fixation preserves the tissue, embedding it in a firm medium like paraffin wax allows thin sections to be cut, sectioning involves slicing the tissue into thin layers, and staining enhances the visibility of cellular components under the microscope. Common stains include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), which provide contrast to different parts of the tissue.
