Ultrastructure of bovine von Ebner's salivary glands

Bovine von Ebner's glands were studied by electron microscopy. The gland consists of tubulo-alveolar adenomeres which open into an abbreviated duct system. The cells of the secretory acini show many morphological features typical of serous cells and contain numerous granules with a complex substructure. Short intercalated ducts connect the acini with excretory ducts which are lined with bistratified epithelium. The striated ducts are absent. The von Ebner's gland morphology was compared with that of the same gland in other species of mammals and with the ultrastructure of the major bovine salivary glands.