Abstract
The stapedius muscle of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) was studied electron microscopically with regard to neuromuscular junctions, muscle-tendon junctions and tendons. Two types of neuromuscular junctions were identified. The first type which was predominant in number showed well-developed primary and secondary synaptic clefts. They were almost the same with those of other mammalian skeletal muscles. The second type showed a flat-shaped junction with fewer secondary synaptic clefts. Muscle-tendon junctions were characterized by many interdigitations between the muscle fibers and tendon. The tendon was composed of collagen fibers, approximately 70-100 nm in diameter. Muscle spindles were not present, while nerve endings resembling the Golgi tendon organ were found adjacent to the tendon and the muscle-tendon junctions. These findings suggest that a feedback system may exist and regulate the fine contractile function of this muscle.
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