The problem shown in the image is due to what?

• A. Incorrect orientation of the tissue
• B. Overdecalcification
• C. Underfixation
• D. Inadequate embedding

Answer: (A)

The issue arises because the tissue was not positioned so the plane of section reveals the area of interest. When embedding, orientation determines which part of the specimen appears in the slice and how margins or specific anatomical structures are shown. If the tissue is misoriented, the cut surface may show the wrong face of the specimen, making it difficult or impossible to assess the region of interest or verify margins, and the resulting slide will look different from what a pathologist expects to see.

In contrast, problems like overdecalcification, underfixation, or inadequate embedding create other artifacts—loss of nuclear detail, poor preservation, or infiltration issues—that look distinct from an orientation-related issue.