Figure 3: EDS elemental mappings and profiles (line scans) on (A)
BSE-SEM image of a polished cross-section of the spike cuticle. The
dotted line represents the location where the profile plots in E and F
were taken. (B-D) Elemental mapping of (B) calcium, (C) phosphorus and
(D) carbon. Line scans of selected (E) major and (F) minor elements
along the dotted line in (A) from the out surface towards the epidermis.
IHR: inner helical region; HMR: highly mineralized region; OHR: outer
helical region; STR: striated region. Scale bars: 50µm. |