Histological and ultrastructural studies of the olfactory epithelium of spotted butter fish Scatophagus argus (Linnaeus)

Abstract

The olfactory epithelium of Scatophagus argus (Linnaeus) was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. The elongated olfactory organ is made up of 20 to 22 primary lamellae arranged on both sides of the narrow median raphe. Sensory and non-sensory regions are located separately on each lamella. The sensory epithelium occupies the upper apical broad half and extreme basal part of the olfactory lamellae whereas the middle slender part is covered with non-sensory epithelium. The sensory epithelium consists of ciliated, microvillus, and crypt cells. The non-sensory epithelium is made up of stratified epithelial cells having different patterns of finger-like micro-ridges and mucous cells. Different cells lining the olfactory epithelium have been correlated with the functional views of the fish concerned. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 2: 74–79)