Microscopic structure of the olfactory mucosa of onespot barb, Puntius terio (Cyprinidae: Smiliogastrinae)

Abstract

Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to portray the cellular constituents lining the olfactory epithelium of teri barb, Puntius terio (Hamilton, 1822) (Cyprinidae: Smiliogastrinae). The olfactory organ holded 16 pairs of lamellae emitted from central raphe, consummate an oviform rosette. The multilamellar olfactory rosette was distinctively placed on the ground of nasal cavity and differentiated by specialized sensory and non-sensory territory. Sensory epithelium covered apical part and linguiform process of lamella while rest part is disguised by non-sensory epithelium. The sensory epithelium had two specific forms: ciliated receptor cells and microvillous receptor cells categorized by staining magnitude, texture and surface morphology. In divergence, the nonsensory epithelium was made up of stratified epithelial cells with microridges, cluster of ciliated non-sensory cells and secretory mucous cells. Basal cells were buried in the mucosa, presumed to be the progenitor of sensory or other supporting cells. Functional implication of cellular components on the olfactory lining was argued with feeding habits and behaviour of fish interested.