[Observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the surface of mesothelial cells of different peritoneal areas of rat (author's transl)].

Observations by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed numerous microvilli on the surface of mesothelial cells of different peritoneal areas. In addition a number of saccular invaginations provided with microvilli or small intercellular clefts have been observed between the cells. These superficial invaginations may correspond to the "stomata" of the light microscopy. Because of the number of microvilli projecting inside the clefts it was not possible to determine whether they open directly on the base of the cells. As the light of the Scanning electron microscopy observations and considering the transmission electron microscopy results on the intercellular boundaries in mesothelial cells it is possible to assume that the actual clefts ("stomata") are continuous and open in the main intercellular channels. Then it is not possible to exclude that these intercellular channels with their labyrinthine and tortuous course may open into the subjacent connective tissue.