Scanning electron microscopy of frozen sections: a method for studying selected planes in small specimens.

A procedure for studying small biological specimens with the SEM, using frozen sections of fixed material is described. Controlled fixation schedules and convenient handling of sections insure optimal preservation of cell shape and size. The greatest advantage of the method presented is to allow scanning through any desired plane of the specimen, even in those planes parallel to an epithelial face. SEM of frozen sections is thus helpful for the study of cell distribution and organization within a tissue.