Histological and scanning electron microscopical study of the olfactory epithelium of the Indian major carp, Catla catla (Hamilton)

Abstract

The histological and micro-architecture of different cells lining the olfactory epithelium in Catla catla (Hamilton) have been studied by means of light and scanning electron microscopes. The oval olfactory rosette of the fish consists of a rosette of 30 to 32 primary lamellae. Each lamella is provided with restricted area of sensory epithelium in the middle region while the apical and basal part of the lamella consists of non-sensory epithelium. The non-sensory epithelium is made up of patches of ciliated supporting cells, epidermal or stratified epithelial cells with concentrically arranged microridges and scattered mucous cells. The sensory epithelium contains two types of receptor cell (microvillar and flagellated) and mucous cells. The multilayer olfactory organ in C. catla provides an acute sense of smell, and various aspects of their existence are mediated through olfactory cues.
Folia Morphol 2010; 69, 1: 24-29