Staining is a technique used to enhance the contrast of microscopic structures by adding dyes that bind to specific components of the tissue. Common stains include Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), which differentiate between acidic and basic structures, and special stains like Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) for carbohydrates. Staining is crucial for identifying and differentiating various cellular components and tissues under the microscope.