What is the typical thickness of a histological section made with a microtome?

The typical thickness of a histological section made with a microtome is indeed within the range of 5 to 10 micrometers. This thickness is optimal for allowing light to pass through the tissue sample during microscopy without excessive scattering, enabling clear visualization of cellular structures. Sections that are too thin may not contain enough tissue for proper analysis, while those that are too thick can obscure details and make it difficult to identify cellular features.

In practical laboratory settings, histotechnologists often cut sections to standardize at around 5 micrometers, especially for procedures like routine staining where the goal is to obtain the highest quality imaging of histological features. This makes the chosen range not only the most common but also the most functional for detailed histopathological examination.