THE ARGENTAFFIN AND MUCOUS CELLS OF THE HUMAN INTESTINE

Abstract

The argentaffin and mucous cells of the human small and large intestines have been studied with several silver and two mucin-staining methods. The appearances of the mucous cells of the small and large intestines and their relationship to the lumen of the intestinal glands are described. The argentaffin cells of the small intestine show striking morph. differences from those of the large intestine, and the hypothesis is advanced that these differences depend on a difference in function. It is suggested that in the small intestine the argentaffin cells are involved in a secretory cycle culminating in the formation of a mucous goblet cell, although not all mucous cells may necessarily arise in this manner. On the other hand the argentaffin cells of the large intestine which have no such relationship, possibly represent neuro-endodermal receptors.