Olfactory mucosa - plastic section (10x objective lens)


This image from a plastic section from a mammal shows a portion of the olfactory mucosa. The olfactory mucosa is located in patches in the walls and roof of the nasal passages. It consists of a pseudostratified columnar epithelium containing three types of cells: (1) basal cells, which retain the ability to divide; (2) olfactory cells, which are sensory bipolar neurons that make up the bulk of the cells present; and (3) supporting (sustentacular) cells, which provide mechanical and metabolic support for the olfactory cells. The epithelium rests on a thick lamina propria containing serous Bowman's glands, nerves, and blood and lymphatic vessels. In this preparation the lamina propria is continuous with the perichondrium of a layer of hyaline cartilage.
Stain = Iron Hematoxylin & Eosin

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Copyright Paul B. Bell, Jr. & Barbara Safiejko-Mroczka

The University of Oklahoma

Version 010603