Structure of enamel surface as demonstrated by absorbed electrons.
The current induced by absorbed electrons in electron microprobe analysis was utilized to illustrate the surface structure of dental enamel. The electron images depicted a typical arcade or key-hole pattern on the surface of human incisors, while the surface of rat incisors was characterized by polygonal structures. Differences in electron density of the two specimen materials were observed, probably due to differences in their chemical composition. Absorbed electron images appear to be a valuable supplement to light microscopy, especially in the study of curved surfaces.
D000818:Animals; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006801:Humans; D051381:Rats; D013499:Surface Properties