The varied appearances of starch particles in smears and paraffin sections

Evidence is presented to show that maize starch particles, usually recognized in histological sections by their Maltese cross birefringence under cross‐polarized light, lose this characteristic appearance when transected by the microtome blade. Such particles are, therefore, likely to be overlooked. Though maize starch usually enters the abdomen during surgery, the female genital tract is another possible route from sources such as contraceptive devices. Other types of starch particle have different shapes, sizes and surface markings and these may be distinguished from maize starch by light and electron optical methods.