Microvascular Corrosion Casting in Scanning Electron Microscopy

The present book comprises two main topics. First, the basics of microvascular corrosion casting techniques in scanning electron microscopy are discussed; second, the three-dimensional vascular pattern of organ systems are introduced. Part one of the book comprehensively describes and discusses advantages and disadvantages, as well as pitfalls, of the technique and gives many practical hints and tips derived from the authors' experiences with the technique. The second part deals with the microangioarchitecture of the cardiovascular system, alimentary tract, reproductive, urinary, hematopoetic, lymphatic, and central nervous systems, as well as peripheral sense organs. The microanatomical and physiological properties of the mentioned organ systems are described and discussed using appropriate micrographs. Particular emphasis is put on the presentation of basic data, in order to enable the reader to get a clear image of microvascular patterns of different organs as illustrated in scanning electron microscopy. Normal as well as pathological conditions of different organs are described. The literature on these topics is discussed.