Scanning electron microscopic studies and x-ray microanalysis of hyaline bodies in odontogenic cysts

70 odontogenic cysts with hyaline bodies (HB) were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopic studies were performed on dried tissue material, which had been previously examined by light microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis of the histologic sections. The form and basic structure of both the early forms of HB as well as the HB Type I and II could be identified more closely. The early forms, the outer component of the HB Type II and the inner and outer component of the HB Type I consisted of a fine-grained substance, which presumably goes through varying "partial homogenization", thus giving the HB an increased firmness and elasticity. The HB are a product of the epithelium of odontogenic cysts and have direct contact to the outer layer of the adjacent cyst epithelium via its intercellular bridges.