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Nasal polyps. Scanning electron microscopy and artifact.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|March 1, 1984
Summary
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of nasal polyps reveals significant tissue shrinkage, altering the surface epithelium and creating artifacts. This shrinkage can expose underlying structures, affecting the interpretation of polyp morphology.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Nasal polyps are inflammatory growths in the nasal cavity.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a technique used to visualize surface structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sample processing on the surface morphology of nasal polyps using SEM.
- To characterize the artifacts introduced by shrinkage during SEM preparation.
Main Methods:
- Nasal polyp tissue was processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- The surface morphology of the processed samples was examined.
Main Results:
- Nasal polyps exhibited significant shrinkage during SEM processing.
- Shrinkage led to undulations and loss of the surface epithelium.
- Artifacts included exposure of basal cells (cobblestone appearance) or the basement membrane.
Conclusions:
- SEM processing induces shrinkage artifacts in nasal polyps.
- These artifacts can alter the perceived surface morphology and require careful interpretation.
- When intact, the epithelium is of the respiratory type.