Ultrastructure of the epithelial surface of the nasal mucosa in the rabbit

: By means of the electron scanning microscopy method the ultrastructure of the apical surface of epitheliocytes has been studied in the mucous membrane and in the respiratory area of the rabbit nose. According to the structure of the surface, ciliary, goblet and microvillous cells are distinguished. There are about 200 cilia on the surface of the ciliary cell. Cells at various stages of ciliogenesis are revealed, that is a certain proof of a constant renovation of the epithelial cells and that its transport function is kept. Various phases of the goblet cells secretory cycle have been followed. Types of the goblet cell secretion are demonstrated. The glandular ducts opening on the surface of the epithelial layer are surrounded, as a rule, with ciliary cells. On the epithelial surface, freely lying lymphocytes are revealed; they participate in local immunity.