Microvasculature as studied by the microvascular corrosion casting/scanning electron microscope method. I. Endocrine and digestive system.

This paper reviews firstly the microvascular corrosion casting/scanning electron microscope method and secondly the microvascular organization of endocrine and digestive system as revealed by this technique. Detailed descriptions of the microvascular arrangement of the hypophysis, pineal body, thyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal gland, salivary gland, liver, stomach and small intestine are given. Various hypotheses are also proposed regarding the physiological significance of the microcirculatory patterns observed.