Feinstruktur des Trichterepithels von Rhinomuraena ambonensis (Teleostei, Anguilliformes)

The ultrastructure of the funnel-like tubes of the olfactory organ in Rhinomuraena ambonensis was investigated by electron microscopy. Frontal sections of the tubes demonstrate a symmetrical arrangement of an inner epithelium, connective tissue, and an outer epithelium. The surface of each peripheral cell of the epithelia bears a system of small ridges which does not correspond with that of the adjacent cells. In case of a rectilinear course of the epithelial cell borders, numerous desmosomes are located along the cell membranes. The fine structure of the desmosomes was analysed. Number and size of the intercellular spaces increases with increasing depth of the epithelium cell layers. The fine structure of epithelial, basal and secretory cells is described. The outer region of each epithelial cell contains densely packed tonofilaments. The fine structure of sensory “buds” which are sparsely distributed within the outer epithelium of the funnels is described. The basal border of the epithelia consists of a rather thick basal membrane. Blood vessels, nerve bundles, chromatophores and storage cells with cristalline inclusions are embedded in the connective tissue. The fine structure of the chromatophores and storage cells is described. The importance of desmosomes, tonofilaments and intercellular spaces, as well as the basal membrane and the amount of collagen is discussed in relation to the reinforcement of the funnels.