Leptofibrils in intrafusal muscle fibres of muscle spindles in the domestic fowl.

Leptofibrils consisting of narrow dark and wide light bands at regular periods are commonly found in intrafusal muscle fibres of chicken muscle spindles. They are particularly abundant in intrafusal muscle fibres with the loose type of myofilaments. They occur either at the periphery of intrafusal muscle fibres or in deeper regions, or even close to sensory nerve terminals. Dark bands of some peripheral leptofibrils vary considerably in size and appear less regular in configuration. Lateral extensions from the dark bands may occur with or without interconnections. Lateral attachments to myofilaments at the immediate neighbourhood may also occur.