Stereology: An Introduction to Some Basic Structural Measurements
THE MICROSCOPE
2017, Volume 65:1, pp. 3–12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59082/PHDU7030
AUTHOR
John C. Russ
ABSTRACT
Quantitative measurement of structures in both biological and inorganic specimens can be efficiently obtained by superimposing simple grids of lines and points onto images of surfaces or thin sections obtained by light and electron microscopy. In many cases, counting the intersections or “hits” the grid makes with the structures of interest provides efficient determination of volume fraction, areas of surfaces (interfaces, cell membranes, etc.), and lengths of linear structures (fibers, vasculature, etc.). In some cases, the number of objects per unit volume can also be determined. Counting also provides an estimate of the precision of the measurements and facilitates the design of experiments. Examples are shown covering a wide range of disciplines.