What is the usual thickness of a paraffin section?

The typical thickness for paraffin sections in histopathology is indeed within the range of 4-6 micrometers. This standard thickness is chosen because it provides an optimal balance between sufficient detail for microscopic examination and ease of handling during the staining and mounting process. Thinner sections may not contain enough tissue architecture for accurate diagnosis, while thicker sections can result in difficulty in focusing and may obscure important microanatomical features. This thickness is essential for various staining techniques common in histopathology, ensuring that structures such as nuclei and cytoplasm are well-preserved and easily observable under a light microscope.