Abstract: A flow chamber for live-cell microscopic observation. The flow chamber includes a top portion having at least two perfusion tubes and a central aperture throughout. A pressure distribution/perfusion ring is adjacent to the top portion. An upper gasket engages and seals the pressure distribution/perfusion ring and the microaqueduct slide. The microaqueduct slide is placed between the upper gasket and the lower gasket. A cover slip is arranged intermediate the lower gasket, and a base. A flow chamber is formed between the cover slip, the microaqueduct slide, and the lower gasket. The flow chamber is in fluid communication with the at least two perfusion tubes in the top portion. The microaqueduct slide has perfusion grooves and micro-channels are formed through the microaqueduct slide and through the upper and lower gaskets. The base has a raised rim portion to receive the pressure distribution/perfusion ring in a non-rotational fit.

Abstract: A temperature controlled culture dish apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a culture dish assembly, a stage insert assembly, and a temperature controller. The culture dish assembly has a culture dish bottom which is manufactured from glass of high optical transmissivity coated with a transparent electrically conductive material. The biological specimen is grown directly on the culture dish bottom. The culture dish assembly is then placed into a recess in the stage insert assembly for microscopic examination. The biological specimen is not disrupted or transferred from the culture dish in which it was grown for purposes of examination. Power wires on the floor of the recess in the stage insert assembly contact bus bars on the transparent electrically conductive coating material. A thermistor on the floor of the recess in the stage insert assembly contacts the bottom of the culture dish bottom.