What tissue types are typically expected to be found at the grossing table during a laminectomy?

During a laminectomy, which is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves by removing a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina, the expected tissue types at the grossing table would primarily include portions of the lamina itself as well as segments of the intervertebral discs.

The lamina is part of the vertebral arch that helps protect the spinal cord and is typically excised during this procedure. Additionally, the intervertebral discs, which act as cushioning between the vertebrae, may also be involved when addressing conditions like herniation or degenerative disc disease. Thus, the presence of both lamina and intervertebral disc tissues aligns with the objectives of a laminectomy and the anatomical structures being addressed.

In contrast, the other choices involve tissues that are not related to surgical procedures on the spine. For example, resected sections of the liver, lung, or thyroid gland pertain to abdominal or thoracic surgeries, while rectal sections are relevant to colorectal surgeries. Breast tissue is associated with procedures like lumpectomies or mastectomies, not spinal surgeries. Therefore, the correct selection reflects the specific tissue types involved in a laminectomy procedure.