[Scanning electron microscopy studies concerning the epiglottis epithelia of rats (author's transl)]

The epithelial surface of the epiglottis in adult male and female albino rats is studied by scanning electron microscopy. Prominent differences exist between the surface morphology as observed in the males and that observed in the females sacrificed in the estrus phase of the ovarial cycle. The differences are most pronounced in respect to the amount of secretory vesicles, microvilli- and microridge-cells and in respect to the observable number of desquamating cells. The existence and the importance of the microridge-cells are discussed. Special attention is also paid to the results indicating that at least some parts of the extrapulmonary airway epithelia act as possible target organs for sex hormones. Finally the importance of the observed differences is discussed for the correct interpretation of pathomorphological alterations in the extrapulmonary airway epithelia that have been observed under experimental conditions and during infections.