Fine structure of the dorsal lingual epithelium of Trachemys scripta elegans (Chelonia: Emydidae).

Background: Turtles are adapted to different environments, such as freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats. Examination of histological and ultrastructural features of the dorsal lingual epithelium of the red-eared turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, and comparison of the results with those of other turtles should elucidate the relationship between the morphology of tongues as well as the fine structure of lingual epithelia and chelonian feeding mechanisms.

Methods: Light microscopical (LM) and scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopical methods were used.

Renal vasculature and uriniferous tubules in the common iguana.

The pattern of vascular supply and the histology of uriniferous tubules of the kidney in the common iguana were studied by light microscopy of semithin sections and by scanning electron microscopy of microcorrosion casts. The corrosion casts showed a strongly developed renal portal system that forms an extensive capillary network throughout the kidney. Glomeruli are numerous and have a capillary pattern consisting of three to six loose coils of capillaries intercalated between afferent and efferent arterioles.

Dorsal lingual epithelium of Platemys pallidipectoris (Pleurodira, Chelidae).

Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the flat tongue of Platemys pallidipectoris has shallow grooves and no lingual papillae. The surface of the tongue is covered with dome-shaped bulges, each corresponding to a single cell. Short microvilli are distributed over the cell surface.

Development and degeneration of the arterial system in the mesonephros and metanephros of chicken embryos.

Background: The general morphology of the mesonephric and metanephric arteries in chicken embryos has already been described previously. Moreover, the general basis of glomerulogenesis has also been established. However, the degeneration of the mesonephric vascular system, and especially glomerular degeneration, have not been well established yet.

Technical improvements in corrosion casting of small specimens: a study on mesonephric tubules and vessels of chicken embryos.

The injection technique for corrosion casting of small, embryonic material can be improved by using a "chemical ligature" (cyanoacrylate). With this simple method, leakage of the resin at the injection site is prevented and the mechanical stability of the cannula-vessel coupling is improved. The blood vascular system of chicken embryos as small as Hamburger-Hamilton stage 24 (approximately 4.