Scanning electron microscopy of the electric organs of Electrophorus electricus L. I. Main organ.

Abstract

Extensive survey was made with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the surfaces of the main electric organ of Electrophorus electricus L. This study of the microanatomy of the electrocyte contributes to a better understanding of the relief of both anterior and posterior faces, showing peculiarities that could not be seen previously in sections either for light or for electron microscopy. The relief is evidently related to the actual membrane area, important for calculations of electrophysiological parameters. Also information on the general organization, specially the distribution of connective tissue and external configuration of synapses, is presented.