ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE RUMEN EPITHELIUM OF THE GOAT (CAPRA HIRCUS)

The electron microscopy of the rumen of the goat was correlated with the physiology of that organ. The ruminant2 forestomach the rumen is lined by parakeratotic, stratified squamous epithelium and is an active site of absorption of nutriments, including fatty acids, water, and electrolytes. The fine structure correlates with this absorptive capacity in the following ways 1 keratinization is partial 2 the lesser degree of keratinization is associated with a corresponding decrease in the number and size of tonofibrils as compared to skin 3 mitochondria are numerous in all cell layers, except in the corneum, and many of them contain inclusion granules 4 cytoplasmic processes are prominent, thus increasing surface area 5 much intercellular space occurs between the processes and 6 no mucous or sebaceous glands are present. Some interesting morphologic findings are noted, including the presence of clear cells in the rumen epithelium, a possible receptor organ, three different types of cell connections, and cross striations in desmosomes and half-desmosomes.