Ultrastructure of mouse olfactory mucosa

The fine structure of the olfactory mucosa has been investigated with particular reference to those aspects of the morphology which may be significant in chemoreception. Morphology of the supporting cells of the epithelium indicate that they function in mucus production or regulation. Bowman's glands were found to consist of two cell types, both of which also seem to contribute to mucus production. Olfactory receptor cells were found to be completely covered by the mucus including the atypical olfactory cell cilia that project above the surface of the epithelium. The potential role of these cilia in initial reception is discussed. Lack of intervening cytoplasm between adjacent olfactory cell cytoplasm has been noted with the consequent possibility that electrical interaction between cells may occur. This may be significant in subsequent evaluations of electrical potentials recorded from the mucosa.