Dragonfly under the Microscope

FZ6 Stereo Microscope

The images below of a dragonfly were captured using the high resolution Fein Optic FZ6 stereo zoom microscope and the Jenoptik Subra HD microscope camera.

Dragonflies are fast, agile fliers, sometimes migrating across oceans, and are often found near water. In flight, the adult dragonfly can propel itself in six directions: upward, downward, forward, back, left and right.

Each dragonfly image was captured between 7x and about 30x magnification. The images were captured using the Jenoptik Gryphax software that is included with the Subra HD camera.

Dragonfly wing captured with the FZ6 stereo microscope.

Dragonfly body captured with the FZ6 stereo microscope.

Dragonfly captured with the FZ6 stereo microscope.

Dragonfly captured with the FZ6 stereo microscope.

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Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma under the Microscope

Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma (MAC) is an uncommon, locally aggressive malignant appendage tumor commonly classified as a low-grade sweat gland carcinoma. The tumor usually occurs on the head and neck, particularly the central face. Microcystic adnexal carcinoma shows aggressive local invasion but has little metastatic potential. If MAC is diagnosed too late, it can be inoperable because of its infiltrative growth.

The images below were captured using a biological lab microscope and the Lumenera Infinity 2-5 CCD 5 megapixel microscope camera.

Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma under the microscope using the Lumenera Infinity 2-5 camera.

Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma Perineural (nerve) invasion. Image: Lumenera Infinity 2-5.

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Butterfly Tongue under Phase Contrast Microscope

RB40 Phase Microscope

The images below of a Victorian butterfly tongue were captured using the RB40 phase contrast microscope both with and without the 550nm green interference filter (IF550). Microscopy images were captured using a microscope digital camera.

The butterfly tongue is called a proboscis and is shaped like a tube. A butterfly's tongue functions much like a flexible straw, and will uncoil when the butterfly wants to sip nectar from a flower.

All images below were captured using phase contrast microscopy.

Victorian Butterfly Tongue under RB40 microscope, microscope camera, 100x phase contrast, color.

Victorian Butterfly Tongue under RB40 microscope, microscope camera, 100x phase contrast, green interference filter.

Victorian Butterfly Tongue under RB40 microscope, microscope camera, 100x phase contrast, GIF, monochrome.

Victorian Butterfly Tongue under RB40 microscope, microscope camera, 400x phase contrast, color.

Victorian Butterfly Tongue under RB40 microscope, microscope camera, 400x phase contrast, green interference filter.

Victorian Butterfly Tongue under RB40 microscope, microscope camera, 400x phase contrast, GIF, monochrome.

View this page for more information on phase contrast.

Mast Cell Tumor (Mastocytoma) in Dogs

Mast cells are cells that reside in the connective tissue, specifically those vessels and nerves closest to external surfaces such as the skin, lungs, nose and mouth. Their primary function includes defense against parasitic infestations, tissue repair and the formation of new blood vessels. They can also be associated with allergic reactions.

Mast cell tumors (mastocytomas) in dogs are graded according to their location in the skin, their presence of inflammation and how well they are differentiated.

• Grade 1 cells - well differentiated with low potential for metastasis.
• Grade 2 cells - intermediately differentiated with potential for locally invasive metastasis.
• Grade 3 cells - poorly differentiated or undifferentiated with high potential for metastasis.

There are four stages of the disease which includes:

• Stage 1 - single tumor, no metastasis.
• Stage 2 - single tumor with metastasis into the surrounding lymph nodes.
• Stage 3 - multiple skin tumors, or a large tumor that has invaded subcutaneously.
• Stage 4 - presence of a tumor, with metastasis to an organ or widespread mast cell presence in blood.

The image below of a canine mast cell tumor was captured with a biological microscope using the Lumenera Infinity microscopy camera. The prepared slide was stained with a toluidine blue stain.

Canine Mast Cell Tumor with Toluidine Blue Staining (C) Lumenera

For more information on microscopes or microscopy cameras, contact Microscope World.