The shell of a small bird egg at about 3000x magnification in a  scanning electron microscope – SEM.

The outer eggshell (left) and the shell membrane (outer eggshell membrane, right) are clearly visible. The basic substances of the thin membrane on the inside of the eggshell are complex carbohydrates and structural proteins such as collagen, fibrillin and elastin.

Eggshell membranes are used in dietary supplements to reduce inflammation and promote mobility.

#SEM #scanning electron microscope #microscopy #macro #egg #eggshell #collagen #eggshell membrane