Ultrastructural studies on the epithelia of the olfactory organ of cyprinodonts (Teleostei, Cyprinodontoidea).

The epithelia of the olfactory organ of two cyprinodontoid fish species were studied both by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The relatively flat floor of the organ is covered by sensory and nonsensory epithelia. The latter is distributed in the form of bands or ridges separating distinct areas of sensory epithelium. Differences between the olfactory organs of the two species investigated related only to the topography and quantitative distribution of the epithelia. Their ultrastructural features are very similar. The nonsensory stratified squamous epithelium contains numerous goblet cells and surface cells provided with microridges. A hypothetical function of the microridges is discussed. The sensory epithelium consists mainly of basal, supporting, and two types of sensory cells, i.e., ciliated and microvillous receptor cells. The cilia exhibitapredominant 9+0 microtubule pattern. Both epithelia are covered by a mucus layer in which all surface structures seem to be embedded. The possible nature, origin, and movement mechanisms of the mucus are discussed.