Estimating surface area in biological structures
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
09:21
Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy (SBF-SEM) of Biological Tissue Samples
Published on: March 26, 2021
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols
|February 5, 2013
Abstract:
Stereological estimates of surface have led to important insights into normal and pathological processes. This article describes the process of estimating surface area in biological structures. It includes a discussion of relationship equations for estimating surface and procedures for estimating surface area of components of organ systems. It also provides an example of estimation of the area of the pial surface of the human brain.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cell Size
Cell sizes vary widely among and within organisms. Bacterial cells range between 1-10 micrometers (μm)and are considerably smaller than most eukaryotic cells. The smallest bacteria are 0.1 μm in diameter—about a thousand times smaller than eukaryotic cells, which typically range from 10-100 μm.
Surface Area
Cells can take in nutrients and water via diffusion through the plasma membrane itself or through specific channels in the membrane. The area of the membrane surrounding the cells limits the...
Surface Area
Cells can take in nutrients and water via diffusion through the plasma membrane itself or through specific channels in the membrane. The area of the membrane surrounding the cells limits the...
01:26Area Problem
Determining the area of a region with straight edges is straightforward, as geometric formulas for rectangles, triangles, and polygons can be applied directly. However, traditional geometric methods are insufficient when a region has a curved boundary, such as the area under a function.fromThe area problem involves finding a systematic way to measure such regions. One approach to solving this problem is through approximation. Instead of attempting to compute the area exactly at the outset, the...
01:29Area of a Surface of Revolution
Surfaces of revolution are formed when a two-dimensional curve is rotated around an axis, producing a three-dimensional shape. This concept is used in engineering tasks like determining the surface area of a rocket nozzle, where precise calculations are critical for applying uniform heat-resistant coatings. When a curve is revolved about the x-axis, it sweeps out a continuous surface whose area must be calculated accurately to estimate material requirements.Approximating with Conical BandsTo...