title: A histochemical study of the mucous cells in the bucco-pharyngeal region of four Indian freshwater fishes in relation to their origin, development, occurrence and probable functions.
abstract: Observations on the origin, development and occurrence of mucous cells in the bucco-pharyngeal region of Labeo rohita (Ham.), Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.), Catla catla (Ham.) and Clarias batrachus (Linn.) have been made histochemically, by PAS technique. The mucous cells have been found to develop from ordinary epithelial cells of the stratum Malpighii which is situated immediately above the basement membrane. The different stages in the development of mucous cells are: 1. Formation stage: Some of the epithelial cells get modified into mucous cells according to the need of the organ concerned. 2. Maturation stage: The spherical shaped mucous cells now become elongated and enlarged due to accumulation of mucin. They remain embedded in the stratified mucosa of the bucco-pharyngeal cavity. 3. Functional stage: In the course, these cells discharge their contents -- mucin into the bucco-pharyngeal cavity through an opening. 4. Degenerationstage: The mucous cells become empty soon after discharging their contents and eventually degenerate...
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002470:Cell Survival; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000032:analysis; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005399:Fishes; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000032:analysis* / Q000166:cytology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000166:cytology