Fine structure at the basal surface of intestinal epithelium in the midgut region of the balanidae,with special reference to “Neural-like” processes

Observations on fine structure at the basal end of the intestinal epithelium in the midgut region of Balanus balanoides and Balanus improvisus reveal complex interrelationships among several tissues. Numerous elongate cell processes extend towards the intestinal epithelium penetrating between layers of intestinal muscle through blood spaces and into the basal lamina underlying the epithelium. Two types of morphological relationships occur between cell processes and the basal end of the intestinal epithelial cell: 1. The cell process may penetrate the basal lamina and lie closely apposed to the epithelium. 2. The cell process may give rise to narrow, medially-directed, finger-like extensions (projections). The narrow projections penetrate the basal lamina and, in addition, terminate as dilated bulbs within inpocketings of the epithelium. In some respects the cell processes are suggestive of neural tissue.