Ultrastructure of human tissues after prolonged interment in metal-lined coffins

The ultrastructure of certain tissues is sometimes preserved after lengthy interment in metal-lined coffins. Susceptible structures of the epidermis, such as the mitochondria and nuclear envelopes, may be clearly identifiable. Electron microscopy thus permits recognition not only of individual cell types, but also of different intracytoplasmic organelles. In the same way, striped muscle fibers are well preserved, and all components of sarcomeres may be distinguished.