Dissection Terminology

Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Digital Speech Recognition Systems in an Anatomical Pathology Practice. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Digital Speech Recognition Systems in an Anatomical Pathology Practice (online CE course)
Dissection Terminology

Dissection is the process of surgically sectioning body tissues or parts to help examine the three-dimensional organization of a gross anatomical structure.
TermMeaning
BisectedCut into two equal halves
BivalvedDivided with symmetrical anatomy along the hinge line
Longitudinally sectionedCut parallel to long axis of the specimen
Radially sectionedCut sequentially from 1 o’clock to12-o’clock position like a pie
Serially sectioned (bread-loafed)Usually cut perpendicular to long axis of the specimen
TransectedDivided by cutting transversely

Most common types of dissections of surgical specimens