Forensic Comparison Microscopes

The lacrimal complex, when viewed under a microscope, consists of the lacrimal gland, the accessory lacrimal glands, the canaliculi, the lacrimal sac, and the nasolacrimal duct.

The lacrimal gland consists of the following struc¬tures:

(1) The almond-shaped orbital portion, located in the lacrimal fossa in the anterior upper temporal seg¬ment of the orbit, is separated from the palpebral por¬tion by the lateral horn of the levator palpebrae muscle. To reach this portion of the gland surgically, one must incise the skin, the orbicularis oculi muscle, and the or¬bital septum. Forensic comparison microscopes can be used to examine this structure. (more…)

Forensic comparison microscopes can be used by a detective, research scientist, chemist, or a forensic scientist. Forensic comparison microscopes are able to compare two samples at the same time. Forensic comparison microscopes can also be used to view a suspect or victim’s eye anatomy like their ocular adnexa, eyelids, lid margins, and palpeblar fissures. (more…)

The External Anatomic Landmarks

Accurate localization of the position of internal struc¬tures with reference to the external surface of the globe is important in many surgical procedures as well as in forensic science when these landmarks are compared using forensic comparison microscopes. The distance of structures from the limbus as measured externally is less than their actual length. Externally, the ora serrata is situated approximately 5.5 mm from the limbus on the medial side and 7 mm on the temporal side of the globe. This corresponds to the level of insertion of the rectus muscles. Injections into the vitreous cavity through the pars plana should be given 4-5 mm from the limbus in the phakic eye. In the aphakic eye, it is possible to inject 0.5-1 mm more anteriorly. The pars plicata, which is the target for cyclodestructive proce¬dures in the treatment of intractable glaucoma, occu¬pies the 2-3 mm directly posterior to the limbus. (more…)

Orbital Septum

The orbital septum is the fascia behind that portion of the orbicularis muscle that lies between the orbital rim and the tarsus and serves as a barrier between the lid and the orbit. (more…)

Forensic science encompasses a broad field. To be a good forensic scientist, one must have the knowledge of the human anatomy and pathophysiology in order to distinguish a deviation from the normal. One of the tools of the trade is a microscope which could include forensic comparison microscopes. Forensic comparison microscopes are a type of microscope that is able to compare two samples side by side at the same time. Tissue samples, hair samples and fiber samples are just few of the many things that could be viewed under forensic comparison microscopes. (more…)

Physical properties: Glass and Soil

The forensic scientist must always consider the properties that are important in identifying the properties and uniqueness of the sample matter (evidence). The properties of a sample matter are classified into 2 categories: physical and chemical properties. These properties can be further analyzed using specialized microscopes such as forensic comparison microscopes. (more…)

There are so many microscopes out in the market today. Most of us would think of the common microscopes as the ones we usually see at school laboratories. Little did we know that there is now a wide range of specialty microscopes that cater to every particular need. One of the latest and most advanced is the stereoscopic forensic comparison microscope. (more…)

Generally, forensic examination deals not only with soil but other materials such as glass, explosives, etc. Actually, there is a course which is called comparative microscopy of soils wherein students are taught about soil comparisons. Soil samples are taken and separated into slat, sand, dust, pollen and other minerals. These samples are interpreted within the context of forensic and geological principles and are examined through light microscopes. (more…)

Forensic science is one of the most exciting fields of scientific studies.  It is also growing in popularity as more and more people become interested in the subject.  An indispensable tool that assists both forensic students and professionals is the metallographic epi illumination forensic microscope, a valuable tool for conducting investigations and analyses of numerous materials used as evidence. (more…)

Although the many uses of forensic entomology has become popular as a science, it wasn’t always so.  The presence of insects in crime scenes, residences, buildings and gardens were once just considered natural occurrences and were largely ignored.  However, it wasn’t long before their use as evidence of crime, neglect, chemical misuse or mishandling gave way to the science we now know as forensic entomology. (more…)