What does a sectional view illustrate?

A sectional view is a representation that provides insight into the internal features of an object or structure as if it has been sliced through, typically along a designated plane. This type of view allows one to see the arrangement and proportions of elements that are not visible from the exterior. By illustrating the interior in this way, it effectively communicates the internal organization and spatial relationships of components, which can be crucial for understanding how various parts interact within a larger system. This makes it an essential tool in architecture and engineering for visualizing designs that contain complex interior systems, such as walls, plumbing, and electrical conduits.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary purpose of a sectional view. A full view of the exterior design focuses solely on the outside appearance, while a sectional view goes deeper to reveal internal details. Overall dimensions pertain to the general measurements and layout, rather than the specific internal structure, and a detailed list of components provides information in a textual format, which a sectional view visually conveys instead.