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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Organotypic Culture Method to Study the Development Of Embryonic Chicken Tissues
Published on: August 25, 2018
A scanning electron microscopic study of the developing epithelial scleral papillae in the eye of the embryonic chick
Insights
Early chick embryos develop transient scleral papillae that induce scleral ossicle formation. Scanning electron microscopy reveals detailed papilla development stages and shedding mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Ophthalmology
- Histology
Background:
- Early embryonic chick eyes feature 14 transient scleral papillae.
- These papillae originate from conjunctival epithelium and are crucial for scleral ossicle development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm and detail the morphological stages of scleral papilla development.
- To provide a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) evaluation of these developmental changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize papilla development.
- Documented morphological changes across developmental stages (M stages 1-6).
Main Results:
- SEM visualization began at M stage 2, showing initial cell surface modifications.
- Observed large microvilli and asymmetrical morphogenesis and growth of papillae.
- Identified papilla shedding via basal cell elongation, with moribund papillae showing necrotic cells and fibers.
Conclusions:
- Confirmed Murray's staging of scleral papilla development.
- SEM provides detailed insights into the morphogenesis, growth, and shedding of these transient structures.
Abstract:
Eyes of early embryonic chicks possess 14 scleral papillae, derived from the conjunctival epithelium and present as transient structures between seven and 11 days of incubation. These papillae induce the formation of the 14 scleral ossicles, which develop in the adjacent, neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme. Each papilla undergoes a predictable series of developmental changes, divided by Murray ('43) into six morphological stages (M stages 1-6). We have confirmed his staging, and provide a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) evaluation of papilla development. The earliest stage that can be visualized with the S.E.M. is M stage 2. We describe the initial modifications of the surface of papilla cells, the presence of large microvilli and the asymmetrical morphogenesis and growth of the papillae. Papillae are shed by a mechanism that involves elongation of the cells at the base of the papilla. Such moribund papillae consist of necrotic cells coated with fibers.
