Figure 2.

Quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) confirms the high matrix mineralization. (a) Overview images acquired by backscattered electron imaging. (b) qBEI revealed very high grey levels (bright) indicating a very high matrix mineralization. (c) Bar graph showing no difference in mineralization between the three ossicles. (d) Bone mineral density distribution analysis indicating a narrow peak of high mineralization in comparison to the sperm whale vertebral bone as well as human auditory ossicles.