PROPOSED FUNCTION FOR MICRORIDGES ON EPITHELIAL-CELLS

Microridges (MR), also called microvillar ridges, microplicae and cytoplasmic folds, were noted on many epithelial surfaces. The mechanical role that microridges may play in holding mucus to the lumenal surface of the esophagus in the trout Salmo gairdneri is examined. The microridges help hold a protective coat of mucus to the epithelium. In addition, the complex curved or whorled arrangement of microridges appears to facilitate the spread of mucus away from goblet cells.