[Connecting pattern of rabbit surface buccal epithelial cells: a scanning electron microscopic study].

Rabbit buccal epithelial cells were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The cell surface was covered with type 4 microridges. The surface was also segmented by cellular borders and attached borders. Small area enclosed by the attached border was often elevated from the surrounding areas. The intervals of the microridges of this small protrusion were narrower than those of the surrounding area and resembled those of type 5 microridges. These findings suggest that exposure of the cell membrane to the external environment induces morphological changes in the microridges. The area surrounded by cellular borders, which was considered to have become small protrusions, was also observed. These observations suggest a staggered lamination of cell stacks and the penetration of a part of cell surface of the lower layer into the cellular space of the upper layer, forming an interdigitation. This cell arrangement is considered to enhance the strength of the binding of the cells.