1. OBJECTIVE To identify Periostracum Cicadae and its two counterfeits by observation of microscopic characteristics of setae in animal drugs.

2. Outer epithelial cells, muscle fibres and periostracum present strong PAS positivity.

3. When the hair periostracum starts breakage, internal at the time that fiber exposed, the hair would become dry.

4. Objective:To study the Mongolian materia medica Periostracum Serpentis and provide the scientific evidence for establishing its quality standard.

5. Treating the sample of periostracum cicada with suspension technique, calcium, manganese and zinc were successfully determined by FAAS.

6. Hair furcation because the surface layer(or periostracum) of hair stem has been already damaged.