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Identifying sialoliths through SEM technology.

Emilio González-Reimers1, Marcos Frías-García2, Matilde Arnay-de-la-Rosa3

  • 1Dpt. de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, 38320, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

International Journal of Paleopathology
|October 16, 2020
PubMed
Summary

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Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals unique internal structures in sialoliths, aiding their identification. This technique helps distinguish sialoliths from other calcifications, valuable for archaeological research.

Area of Science:

  • Paleopathology
  • Biomineralization
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Sialoliths, or salivary stones, are calcifications within the salivary glands.
  • Accurate identification of calcified structures is crucial for understanding past human health and diet.
  • Distinguishing sialoliths from other calcified materials like gallstones or kidney stones can be challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characteristics for identifying sialoliths.
  • To differentiate sialoliths from other calcified biological structures using SEM.

Main Methods:

  • Two human sialoliths were analyzed using SEM with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
  • Samples were examined both externally and internally after sectioning.
Keywords:
Archaeological excavationCalcified structuresDifferential diagnosisSalivary calculusSalivary glandSesamoid bone

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  • Elemental composition was analyzed to determine the constituent elements.

    • Main Results:

    • Sialoliths exhibit a smooth external surface but possess a distinctive internal structure of granular aggregates with a lamellar coat.
    • Elemental analysis revealed calcium, phosphate, carbon, and oxygen, with trace magnesium.
    • SEM analysis showed distinct differences compared to sesamoid bones, gallstones, and nephroliths.

    Conclusions:

    • SEM provides a reliable method for precise identification of sialoliths.
    • This technique is valuable for analyzing small calcified remains in archaeological contexts.
    • Identifying sialoliths can offer insights into the nutritional and pathological conditions of past populations.