DIFFERENT WAYS FOR SECTIONING A SPECIMEN
When we look at sections of well-known objects, it is usually easy to understand how the object was cut and to deduce what the original shape of the object is.
The papaya in the upper part of the figure was cut lengthwise, or longitudinally, that is, along its longest axis.
On the other hand, the papaya in the lower part was cut transversely, that is, in a plane perpendicular to its longest axis.
The papaya in the upper part of the figure was cut lengthwise, or longitudinally, that is, along its longest axis.
On the other hand, the papaya in the lower part was cut transversely, that is, in a plane perpendicular to its longest axis.
If we had a series of several longitudinal and transversal sections of a papaya, even a person unfamiliar with this fruit would be able to deduce with a good approximation how a papaya is structured.
The same can be done with sections of tissues and organs, to understand their three-dimensional structure.