CURRENT RESEARCH ON ENERGY DISPERSIVE X-RAY MICROANALYSIS OF THE INNER EAR

Abstract

Analytical electron microscopy is a new technique in the study of the inner ear. So far analyses have been performed mainly on normal conditions. Principally two different techniques are used: (1) bulk specimen analysis of inner ear fluids, cupula, otoconia and tectorial membrane, using the SEM mode, and, (2) analysis of thin (<1μm) and semi-thin (2-6μm) sections of freezedried and plastic-embedded inner ears using the STEM mode. The latter technique gives a resolution at the cellular and subcellular levels of all tissues in the inner ear. When comparing the elemental composition in different cell types the analyses (regarding thin and semi-thick sections) have in general to be evaluated on statistical grounds.