Structure of the Human Uvula
- 1 January 1999
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Informa UK Limited in Acta Oto-Laryngologica
- Vol. 119 (6), 712-717
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00016489950180685
Abstract
Eleven uvular biopsies were investigated for their morphology, the presence of mast cells and the distribution of hyaluronan and its major ligand CD44. Three microanatomical sites - surface epithelium, subepithelial area and area of glands - were examined. The oral side of the uvula was covered by a 15-20 cell thick layer of keratinized/parakeratinized surface epithelium, firmly anchored to the underlying connective tissue by connective tissue papillaeas. The width of the intercellular spaces in the epithelium increased toward the basal lamina, a location that exhibited intense hyaluronan and anti-CD44 staining. Most mast cells were located in the vicinity of blood vessels, at which sites there was high staining intensity of hyaluronan. Tissue mast cells could also be observed in the connective tissue septa enclosing the acini. Glands and muscle fibres became more sparse from the proximal part of the uvula to the distal end, while the amount of connective tissue increased. The localization and architecture of connective tissue elements and mast cells are consistent with the ability of the uvula to resist mechanical stresses and to develop oedema and fibrosis, respectively.Keywords
This publication has 13 references indexed in Scilit:
- Inflammation in the Uvula Mucosa of Patients With Obstructive Sleep ApneaThe Laryngoscope, 1996
- Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: Results in 170 patientsThe Laryngoscope, 1995
- A Quantitative Histologic Study of the Normal Human Adult Soft PalateJournal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 1994
- The Riddle of the UvulaOtolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, 1992
- Apnea and the elongated uvulaInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 1992
- Hyaluronan 1The FASEB Journal, 1992
- Localization of hyaluronan in various muscular tissuesCell and tissue research, 1991
- Histologic Study of the Normal Human Adult Soft PalateThe Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal, 1990
- CD44 — A molecule involved in leukocyte adherence and T-cell activationImmunology Today, 1989
- A principle for counting tissue structures on random sectionsJournal of Applied Physiology, 1962