Fine Structure of the Vomeronasal Sensory Epithelium of Korean Goats (Capra hircus)

Abstract

The vomeronasal sensory epithelium of goats native to Korea was examined morphologically by light and electron microscopy. The vomeronasal organ is a tubular structure situated bilaterally at the base of the nasal septum. The sensory epithelium lines the medial wall of the vomeronasal lumen and consists of receptor, supporting, and basal cells. The receptor and supporting cells have prominent microvilli on the luminal surface. In the basal region, four types of basal cells can be distinguished morphologically, two of which are attached to the basal lamina. The morphological characteristics of Korean goat vomeronasal sensory epithelium are discussed in comparison with those of other mammalian vomeronasal epithelia.