Objective

To define SEM characteristics that may aid identification of sialoliths. Materials: Two sialoliths from modern patients affected by sialadenitis.

Methods

Samples were coated with silver and subjected to scanning electron microscopy using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detector. Samples were then sectioned to permit study of the internal structure.

Results

Sialoliths show an external smooth surface with no distinctive features. Internal structures consist of a distinctive aggregate of coarse granules of different sizes surrounded by a lamellar coat. Elemental composition consists of carbon, phosphate, calcium and oxygen, with traces of magnesium. The proportion of these elements differs between the core and the surface.

Conclusion

Although elemental composition is not specific, SEM analyses of sialoliths greatly differ from those of sesamoid bones, gallstones and nephroliths. Therefore, SEM analysis constitutes a useful tool for the precise identification of small calcified structures recovered during archaeological excavations.

Significance

Precise identification of calcified structures may provide information about nutritional and/or pathological aspects of past individuals.

Limitations

Sialoliths are less common than other types of calcifications, and only two cases were analyzed in this study.

Future prospects

SEM technology should be applied to identify the etiology of all minute calcified remains recovered during archaeological excavations of burial sites.

中文翻译：

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通过 SEM 技术识别涎石

客观的

定义可能有助于识别涎石的 SEM 特征。材料：来自受唾液腺炎影响的现代患者的两个涎石。

方法

样品涂有银，并使用能量色散 X 射线光谱检测器进行扫描电子显微镜检查。然后将样品切片以研究内部结构。

结果

Sialoliths 显示出没有明显特征的外部光滑表面。内部结构由不同大小的粗颗粒的独特聚集体组成，周围有一层层状涂层。元素组成包括碳、磷酸盐、钙和氧，以及微量的镁。这些元素的比例在核心和表面之间是不同的。

结论

虽然元素组成不具体，但唾液石的 SEM 分析与籽骨、胆结石和肾石的 SEM 分析有很大不同。因此，SEM 分析构成了一种有用的工具，可用于精确识别考古发掘期间恢复的小型钙化结构。

意义

钙化结构的精确识别可以提供关于过去个体的营养和/或病理方面的信息。

限制

涎石不像其他类型的钙化那么常见，本研究仅分析了两个病例。

前景

应应用扫描电镜技术来确定在墓地考古发掘中发现的所有微小钙化遗骸的病因。