Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction Analyses of Human Salivary Stones

Authors

H. Mishima, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo
H. Yamamoto, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo
T. Sakae, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo

Abstract

Ten salivary stones in the human submandibular gland were investigated by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction analyses. The stones usually showed a lamellar pattern. SEM observations revealed cubical, plate-like, granular, small and large granules, polyhedral or globular structures in these stones. By X-ray powder diffraction analysis, the main constituents of salivary stones were found to be apatite and whitlockite. SEM-EDS analyses showed that Ca and P were the major elements, frequently accompanied by Mg and S, and less frequently by Na, Al, Si, Cl, K, Fe, Cu and Zn. Ca/P molar ratios ranged from 1.00 to 2.00 with the average of 1.53, showing two maxima of about 1.50 and 1.60. The Ca/P molar ratio of about 1.50 corresponded to the value of whitlockite. The Ca/P molar ratio of 1.60 corresponded approximately to the value of apatite.

Recommended Citation

Mishima, H.; Yamamoto, H.; and Sakae, T. (1992) "Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction Analyses of Human Salivary Stones," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 6: No. 2, Article 14.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol6/iss2/14