ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Pineal organ, human
;
Acervuli
;
Scanning electron microscopy
;
Transmission electron microscopy
;
Electron probe microanalysis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Untreated, decalcified and trypsinized acervuli from human pineal bodies were studied with the scanning and transmission electron microscope as well as by electron probe microanalysis. The mulberry-like acervuli are composed of a various number of spherical lobes (135–800 μm) between which clustered groups of globuli (4–14 urn in diameter) are observed. The acervular lobes are very probably formed by an aggregation of these globuli. Small round particles 125–500 Å in diameter are observed on the surface of the pineal concretions. These are not influenced by either decalcification or trypsin treatment. The acervular mineral corresponds morphologically to hydroxyapatite. The electron probe microanalysis reveals the existence of calcium and phosphorus as main components of the acervuli. Small quantities of magnesium and strontium were also detected.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00222155
Permalink
