Light and scanning electron microscopic studies of the nasal turbinates ofthe horse

The nasal turbinates of 5 young horses were studied by light and scanning e lectron-microscopy. Stratified cuboidal epithelium lined the rostral part o f the dorsal and ventral nasal turbinates of the vestibular region. The pol yangular microvillus cells of this region were separated by linear depressi ons. The mid and caudal parts of the dorsal and ventral nasal turbinates an d the rostral Dart of the ethmoturbinates were lined by pseudostratified co lumnar ciliated respiratory epithelium. Numerous cilia with dilated blebs o n the ciliated cells concealed adjacent non-ciliated supporting cells and g oblet cells. The olfactory zone consisting of the olfactory vesicle and a d ense network of olfactory cilia localized to the caudal part of the ethmotu rbinates. The three regions were delineated from each other by transitional zones.