What does "sectioning" refer to in histotechnology?

In histotechnology, "sectioning" specifically refers to the process of cutting the embedded tissue into thin slices. This step is essential because it prepares the tissue for microscopic examination by allowing the pathologist to view the cellular structure and organization within the sample. The thickness of the sections is typically controlled to ensure they are thin enough to allow light to pass through, enabling clear visibility of the tissue's cellular details under a microscope. Proper sectioning is crucial for accurate diagnosis and further analysis.

While embedding is a critical step that precedes sectioning, it is not considered sectioning itself. Similarly, applying stains is a separate process that enhances the visibility of specific tissue components after sectioning. Lastly, analyzing the chemical composition of tissues relates to biochemical techniques rather than the physical act of preparing tissue slices for microscopy. Therefore, the concept of sectioning is distinct and focused solely on the slicing of the already embedded specimen.