Scanning electron microscopy to examine cells and organs

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy is an excellent method for viewing the surface of cells and organs, and provides exquisite detail of surface projections. This method has a long history of use in the analysis of eukaryotic cilia and flagella. In this chapter, we provide methods used by our group to examine mouse kidneys and the embryonic node. The methods provided here can be used with little modification to examine other mammalian organs or used as a starting point to develop methods for use in other organisms.