Comparative ultrastructural study on merkel cells and dermal basal cells in poultry (Gallus domesticus)

Summary Basal cells of the hard palate epithelium have been examined electronmicroscopically. Secretory granules, morphologically similar to those of the Merkel cells, occur in the groups of basal cells. A comparison concerning the cytoplasmic qualities of the two cell types is given, and the possibility of a cytogenetical or physiological relationship between the Merkel cells and the basal cells is discussed.Supported by the Agricultural Research Council of Norway.