Determination of the numerical density of spherical and ellipsoidal particles in the adrenal zona glomerulosa, based on distribution measurements. I. Methods.

Two methods are described to determine the numerical density of spherical and ellipsoidal particles. Both methods are based on the estimation of distribution of corpuscles. The distribution of spherical elements was determined by an approximate form of the Schwartz-Saltykov method for obtaining the average tangent diameter of particles, and in consequence of measurability limits practical modifications were introduced. The equation published by WEIBEL and GOMEZ (1962) was the basic relationship of the numerical density calculation of elliposidal corpuscles. The required distribution and shape coefficient of this equation was estimated from the size and shape distribution of particles. Statistical independence was assumed between the size and shape, and consequently the two distributions can be estimated separately. To determine the size distribution the Schwartz-Saltykov method, and for determination of the shape distribution the Wicksell's method was used. The mathematical bases of measurements and calcualtions are presented in this paper.