| Abstract: | The developing taste buds of vallate papillae were studied with electron microscope in rats during the first 7 days after birth. Two types of cells--light and dark--are identified in the taste buds of a one day old animal. The apical parts of dark cells are characterized by numerous dark granules. A distinguishing feature of light cells is the presence of synaptic contacts with afferent intragemmal nerves. On the 4th day of development on the top of the apical parts of the cell, a microvillar apparatus is seen to form, which does not yet communicate with the oral cavity. On the 7th day, basal cells appear in the taste buds. Some of these cells are seen mitotically dividing. The differentiated microvillar apparatus now communicates with oral cavity. The structure of the taste buds is getting similar to that in the adults. The structural and functional peculiarities of the developing taste buds are discussed in association with the period of ontogenesis under consideration. |
