Three-Dimensional Architecture of Cardiomyocytes and Connective Tissue in Human Heart Revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy is a useful modality to directly observe the 3-dimensional structures of cells at high resolution. Scanning electron microscopy enables visualization of the surface features of cardiomyocytes after removal of the surrounding connective tissue1 and the connective tissue skeleton after removal of the nonfibrous elements.2 In addition, backscattered electron emission with heavy metal staining3 helps to provide high-quality images of the intracellular architecture of the cardiomyocyte. In this study, we present the 3-dimensional structure of the human left ventricular myocardium from subjects without apparent cardiac …