ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Kidney
;
Calix
;
Musculature
;
Axons
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The fine structure of the rat caliceal wall at its attachment to the renal parenchyma is described. Particular attention is paid to the smooth muscle cells and their associated nerves. A single overlapping layer of epithelial cells lines the renal papilla which changes abruptly to a layer of 3–5 cells where the calix gains attachment to the renal substance. In this region there is an associated increase in the underlying connective tissue which contains smooth muscle cells. These cells possess filaments, are surrounded by a basal lamina, and occur scattered among large bundles of collagen fibres. The muscle cells possess numerous branching processes as well as shorter projections which make close contacts with adjacent cells. Large numbers of axons and their associated Schwann cells are also observed in this region. The axons possess swellings, some of which lie within 800 Å of smooth muscle cells, and contain large and small granulated vesicles and agranular vesicles. They are therefore considered to be adrenergic effectors. Further out in the caliceal wall typical spindle-shaped smooth muscle cells are observed lying parallel to one another to form closely packes bundles and are associated with relatively few nerves. The significance of these observations is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00335277
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