The non-olfactory nasal epithelium in the adult goat: a scanning electron microscopic study

Abstract

Surface characteristics of the non-olfactory nasal epithelium were studied in seventeen clinically-normal goats by the use of the scanning electron microscope. Samples were taken from the nasal vestibule, alar fold, basal fold, dorsal nasal concha, ventral nasal concha, and middle nasal concha. Samples were prepared for scanning electron microscope (SEM) in a routine manner and examined using a 501B (Phillips, Holland). The nasal vestibule was lined by a stratified squamous epithelium which was keratinised in the rostral region, the apical surfaces of squamous cells presented a number of microplicae in the rostral region. The microplicae were seen to be replaced by microvilli in the more protected aboral region. The alar and basal folds were both lined by a stratified squamous epithelium rostrally and a ciliated epithelium further aborall. An epithelium lined by cuboidal cells was observed interposed between the rostrally directed stratified squamous epithelium and a ciliated epithelium aborally. Nasal conchae were lined by a ciliated epithelium. Mucus-producing cell were observed producing mucous in the form of granules. Submucosal gland orifices were frequently observed on the surface. Patches of non-ciliated microvillous cells containing regenerating ciliated cells were a feature of the ciliated epithelium lining the nasal conchae. In this region, the degree of ciliation was observed to increase from rostral to aboral regions.