title: A unique connective tissue structure in the aortic media of the chicken.
abstract: The interstitium between smooth muscle cells in the media of the abdominal aorta of the chicken contains basement membranes, glycosaminoglycan, stout elastic fibers, extensive bundles of collagenous fibers, and a unique striated structure. In cross section, this striated, hexagonal structure resembles a honeycomb, each hexagon consisting of 6 isosceles triangles. Microtubule-like structures are present at each corner and center of a hexagon, and 3 delicate filaments are located equidistantly between putative microtubules. The periodicity evident in longitudinal section is the result of a constant repetition of microtubule-like elements. From staining with phosphotungstic acid it appears that the striated connective tissue structures are proteinacous and might serve as a reinforcing structure where smooth muscle cells are separated by dilated extracellular spaces.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002645:Chickens / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D008870:Microtubules / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000648:ultrastructure*