Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of human skin with the arrector pili muscle interacting with the hair follicle epithelium.

ABSTRACT: This study developed a three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis application using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to investigate surgically acquired human skin tissues containing the arrector pili muscle. We utilized the en bloc staining, including reduced osmium, thiocarbohydrazide, and lead aspartate, as well as the embedding using a carbon-based conductive resin. Next, we obtained serial images with SBF-SEM. The results revealed dense nerve fiber networks branching from nearby nerve fiber bundles outside the muscle and running among muscle fibers. Additionally, the dense nerve network running through and along arrector pili muscle fibers rarely penetrates the connective tissues between smooth muscle fibers and epithelial cells. Furthermore, in the observation

SUBMITTER: Ezure T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11794863 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature