Fig. 3.

Image sequences from SBF SEM datasets show fibril orthogonality using ImageJ/Fiji, Volume Viewer plug-in. En face sequences run vertically, distal-towards-proximal views are presented at early E6 (A–C); E7 (D–F) and E8 (G–I). Collagen fibril organisation is seen at sites in sub epithelial (A, D, G), mid stromal (B, E, H) and deep proximal primary stromal matrix (C, F, I). Insets show the corresponding level in sagittal plane (line, in cyan) within the primary stroma from which the associated main image derives, showing epithelium (e) and stromal cells (k). Thus at subepithelial levels, basal epithelium is occasionally visible (arrows: A, D) and processes of stromal cells (arrowheads: F, I) in deep primary stroma. Compared to E6, at E7 and E8, the extent of acellular primary stroma is much reduced. Clockwise rotation of fibril orientation is evident in E7 and E8 sequences (indicated by yellow arrows in E8, G - I). (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)