Microridge cells in the larynx of the male white rat. Investigations by reflection scanning electron microscopy.

The laryngeal epithelium of male white rats is studied by reflection scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition to ciliated cells, microvilli cells, brush cells and goblet cells that are characteristic for normal respiratory epithelium the microridge or labyrinth cell can be seen in particular regions of the larynx. The apical surface of a typical labyrinth cell is characterized by a system of narrow standing microridges of about 0.05--0.15 micronm in diameter and interconnecting microridges with a diameter of about 0.01 micronm. The microridge system of a labyrinth cell originates from the fusion densely standing microvilli. Between microridge cells and microvilli cells all transition forms can be observed. The preferable localiziation of the microridge cell in the larynx and its possible function is discussed.