Related Experiment Videos
Electron microscopic study on the epiglottic mucosa in human fetuses
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Auris, Nasus, Larynx
|January 1, 1987
Summary
This study reveals early fetal epiglottic mucosal development, noting primary cilia emergence around 7 weeks gestation. Immature squamous cells and glycogen
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Human Embryology
- Histology
Background:
- Epiglottic mucosal differentiation in human fetuses was previously limited to light microscopy studies.
- Detailed ultrastructural changes during fetal epiglottic mucosal development remained largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detailed cellular differentiation of the human fetal epiglottic mucosa.
- To utilize advanced electron microscopy techniques for a comprehensive analysis.
Main Methods:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were employed.
- Human fetal specimens were analyzed across gestational ages from the 7th to 21st week.
Main Results:
- Primary cilia were observed in the epiglottic mucosa by the 7th week of gestation.
- Ciliated cells and stratified squamous epithelium developed similarly to prior reports, but squamous cells remained immature at 21 weeks.
- Glycogen granule reduction in non-ciliated cells correlated with cellular differentiation, indicating energy provision for this process.
Conclusions:
- The study provides detailed ultrastructural insights into human fetal epiglottic mucosal development.
- Early emergence of primary cilia and prolonged immaturity of squamous cells are key findings.
- Glycogen's role in providing energy for cell differentiation is highlighted.