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# Electron Microscopes Electron microscopes provide greater magnification and resolving power compared to light microscopes. They use an electron beam instead of light to create images. These instruments have been used in medical research for years, but their use in clinical medicine is increasin...

# Electron Microscopes Electron microscopes provide greater magnification and resolving power compared to light microscopes. They use an electron beam instead of light to create images. These instruments have been used in medical research for years, but their use in clinical medicine is increasing. Electron microscopes allow visualizing objects as small as 0.001 mm, which is smaller than what can be seen with a light microscope. Two main types exist: Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). **Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM):** * Electrons pass through the specimen. * The image is displayed on a phosphorescent screen or projected onto a monitor. * Allows viewing minute details within a cell, such as nuclear structure. **Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM):** * The electron beam scans the specimen's surface. * The specimen is coated with metal. * The deflected electrons are measured to form a three-dimensional image similar to a television screen. * A color-enhanced SEM image of blood cells is shown in Figure 1-66B. **Operation and Considerations:** * Electron microscopes are expensive and require special expertise. * Specimen preparation uses special instruments and chemicals, taking hours or days. * Electron microscope technicians need significant skill and experience for proper specimen preparation and operation. * Reference laboratories, medical schools, and large teaching hospitals are common locations for electron microscopes.