---
title: "Optical Properties of Biological Tissues: A Review"
authors: ["Steven L. Jacques"]
year: 2013
venue: "Physics in Medicine and Biology"
arxiv: null
doi: "10.1088/0031-9155/58/11/r37"
source: "https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9155/58/11/r37"
topics: [subsurface-scattering, translucent-materials]
seed_rank: 1294
seed_batch: "sss-translucent-2026-08-25"
reviewed: "2026-08-25"
pool: "graphics"
relevance_score: 8
lineage: translucent-materials
cites:
  - title: "A Spectral BSSRDF for Shading Human Skin"
    url: "https://doi.org/10.2312/egwr/egsr06/409-417"
    year: 2006
    arxiv: null
    doi: "10.2312/egwr/egsr06/409-417"
see:
  - "1287-a-spectral-bssrdf-for-shading-human-skin"
---

# Optical Properties of Biological Tissues: A Review

## One-sentence takeaway

Canonical modern μa/μs′ tissue review.

## Problem

Predecessor chain Cheong90 → Jacques13. This paper's job: Canonical modern μa/μs′ tissue review.

## Design

Canonical modern μa/μs′ tissue review. Lineage: Cheong90 → Jacques13.

## Evidence

Physics in Medicine and Biology 2013. DOI `10.1088/0031-9155/58/11/r37`. Canonical modern μa/μs′ tissue review.

## Limitations

Read the cited predecessors before treating this as a drop-in Anoptic shader. Do not claim the library already implements it.

## Implications for Broadside

Anoptic has a forward+ mesh renderer and is betting on FMM+RC 3D GI. Translucent materials / SSS is the missing appearance model for skin, marble, wax, leaves, and interiors. Do not claim they already have SSS.

## Bottom line

Mint this 2013 Physics in Medicine and Biology paper. Canonical modern μa/μs′ tissue review.

## Links

- DOI: [10.1088/0031-9155/58/11/r37](https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9155/58/11/r37)