Note on the structure of the mammalian taste-bulb / by Frederick Tuckerman.

  • Tuckerman, Frederick, 1857-
Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Note on the structure of the mammalian taste-bulb / by Frederick Tuckerman. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    intragemmale Nerven endigung, the ultimate fibrils of which pass between the cells forming the framework of the bulb and communicate with the exterior. The existence of reticulated, interlacing nerve filaments within the bulb similar to, if not identical with those ob- served by Retzius, was pointed out by the present writer some years ago, and was briefly noted by him in the Journal of Anatomy 1889, vol. XXIII, p. 573. The passage alluded to reads as follows: „A third element which enters into the construction of a taste-bulb is an intercalary network composed of very delicate filaments, through the meshes of which the sensory cells pass. Whether this intrabulbous network springs from the intra-epithelial or subepithelial plexus I was unable to determine, though I am inclined to believe that it is derived from the latter. This arrangement of the nerves of the bulb (which was detected without the aid of Golgi's method) was first observed in human embryos, and it has since been verified in various mammals. It is quite possible that the use of the term „network here is mis- leading, though, to say the least, this is still an open question. It is highly gratifying to me that my observations should ^e confirmed and amplified by so accomplished an histologist as Professor Retzius. Lenhossek's views and conclusions touching the structure of the taste-cells are not in accord with those generally accepted by the investigators who have successfully isolated these organs. His state- ment that the basal pole of the cell is not only not continuous with a nerve-fibril, but terminates in a more or less blunted extremity, is one that many will be unable to accept as final. Whether there be direct continuity, or merely contiguity (as maintained, for example, by Fajeesztajn, in the end-disc of the frog), between the sensory elements of the bulb and the underlying nerve structures is still a doubtful question with some, but that the subepithelial nerve-fibrils penetrate the bulbs, as well as run between them, is a fact that has frequently been confirmed by competent observers, even before the existence of an intrabulbous plexus was suspected. The taste-cells are in their nature excessively delicate and sus- ceptible structures, and an over-refinement of method, even where it is apparently most successful in its results, may partially or entirely fail in its object by disturbing the normal relations of the parts affected. Nevertheless we are much indebted to Lenhossek for his valuable contribution to this very intricate subject, and the full report of his research will be awaited with interest. Berlin, 14. February 1893.