Medical Micrographs: a View into the Human Body

Medical science has advanced exponentially in the last century. Even just the way the human body and pathology is viewed. We’ve gone from the basic x-ray to be able to see a single cell in the human body. Or even smaller.

One of the most fascinating innovations has been the Scanning Electron Micrograph, often referred to simply as an SEM for short. It has revealed hidden worlds of the human body, medical, and of course the natural world as well.

Gallery of Medical and Anatomical SEMs (micrographs) Stock Photography

The scanning electron microscope was invented in 1937 by Manfred von Ardenne the SEM machine uses electrons to record the surface topography of objects.

SEM of Maple Leaf Tote bag

Browse SEM tote bags, masks, phone cases and more!

SEMs (scanning electron micrographs) as a rule are produced in black and white. But photographers often colorize them by hand using a technology called cathodoluminescence, which analyzes the light spectrum emitted by images and creates a semi-accurate color representation.

SEMs provide unprecedented insight into the human body and are a vital source of images to the scientific community. To see more SEMs visit our Fine Art America gallery.