ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Smooth muscle
;
Salamander, Amphiuma
;
Ultrastructure
;
Stereology
;
Volume: surface area ratio
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary An ultrastructural and stereological examination was performed on stomach smooth muscle of the salamander Amphiuma. This tissue has very large cells, ranging up to 12×1500 μm when relaxed. The extracellular space is 31% of the tissue volume, and the tissue contains 84.6% water. These values are similar to those of other amphibian and mammalian gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The cells possess the usual smooth muscle organelles. Thick, thin and intermediate filaments are present, along with membrane-associated and cytoplasmic dense regions. There is a well-developed sarcoplasmic reticulum and many microtubules. Caveolae are found in rows along the cellular surface; the caveolae increase the cellular surface area by about 70%. The ratio mean volume: surface area of the cells is 1.26 μm. This tissue appears to be typical of gastrointestinal smooth muscle, with the exception of the very large size of the cells.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00214243
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