Measurements of Muscle Physiological Cross-Sectional Areas Obtained by Point Counting and Metamorph

Histochemical studies of striated muscles are the most widely used tool for examining their functional properties. The fibres that make up these muscles can be identified by revealing the enzymes involved in contraction, which makes it possible to determine whether they perform resistance (aerobic) or strength (anaerobic) functions. These functions are analysed by comparing the physiological cross-sectional areas of the muscles, regardless of the number of fibres that constitute them or their individual diameters. Areas are measured using an estimated stereological point counting technique in which points are associated with surfaces. This work proposes an automatic, computerised measurement method using the histomorphometric programme Metamorph and compares the results obtained through both methods.