GLOBULAR SMOOTH-TUBULE AGGREGATES IN THANATOPHORIC DWARFS

A presumably new structure that we have called ''globular smooth-tubul e aggregate'' was found in the cytoplasm of chondrocytes of 4 thanatop horic dwarfs. To the best of our knowledge these sharply delineated, r ounded, sieve-like bodies of distinctive morphology have not been repo rted to occur in any other site or situation. Hence these structures m ay be of some diagnostic value. Continuity between the rough endoplasm ic reticulum and smooth tubules in the aggregates was detected. Theref ore it is suggested that smooth tubules in these aggregates derive by growth and extension from the rough endoplasmic reticulum.