Structural and ultrastructural differentiation of cell types in the gills of the tench (Tinca tinca, L.)

Summary This study used 22 tench of 25–30cm in length and weighing roughly 200g. After sacrifice, the gill arch was extracted and fixed in 5% glutaraldehyde for structural, ultrastructural and morphometrical study. Tench gills consist of primary lamellae which are perpendicular to numerous secondary lamellae in which the respiratory barrier is located. A study was made of the structures which make up that barrier and of the multi‐layered epithelium situated in the interlamellar space, which is closely linked to maintaining of internal balance in the fish.