Microscopic Images from Inside the Human Body

Below are a few samples from this neat gallery of microsopic images from inside the human body.

Almost all of the images were captured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a type of electron microscope that uses a beam of high-energy electrons to scan surfaces of images. The electron beam of the SEM interacts with atoms near or at the surface of the sample to be viewed, resulting in a very high-resolution, 3D-image. Magnification levels range from x 25 (about the same as a hand lens) to about x 250,000. Incredible details of 1 to 5 nm in size can be detected.

To read more about the images and see additional examples, click here.

Split end of human hair:



Hair cell in the ear:



Tongue with taste bud:



Lung cancer cells:



Villi of small intestine:



Colored image of a 6 day old human embryo implanting:



See the rest, along with additional info here.