The fine structure of the amphibian lymph heart.
The fine structure of an amphibian lymph heart is described. There was an overlapping, flattened endothelial lining on the inner aspect of the tunica intima. This was usually thin with irregular processes on both luminal and abluminal surfaces, especially on the afferent ostium. Most of the intercellular junctions had a number of adhesion devices and were often convoluted. Very few open junctions were seen. The basement membrane was usually absent, but on occasion was prominent. The abluminal cytoplasmic projections of the endothelial lining often bordered on dense elastic and collagenous fibers. The surrounding media was thick and was mainly composed of smooth muscle cells and interstitial tissue with occasional fibroblasts.
Liu
Z Y
ZY
Department of Anatomy, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Casley-Smith
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D002025:Bufonidae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004729:Endothelium, Lymphatic / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000648:ultrastructure*