CELL SPECIALIZATION IN SMALL INTESTINAL EPITHELIUM OF ADULT XENOPUS-LAEVIS - STRUCTURAL ASPECTS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 125  (JAN) , 155-169
Abstract
The structure, cellular composition and organization ofthe small intestinal epithelium of adult X. laevis are described. The mucosa is arranged into a system of longitudinal folds, composed mainly of columnar and goblet cells. Leukocytes comprise about 28% of the mucosal cells. The degree of structural specialization of columnar cells varies depending on their position in the folds. Cells at the crest of the folds display the greatest degree of specialization evidenced by the development of their inter- and intracellular membrane systems. Cells in the trough regions between the folds are much less specialized. These cell types are structurally analogous to villous and crypt cells of mammals although they are not segregated to the same degree.