Three-dimensional visualization of the intraganglionic structures of the rat myenteric plexus: scanning electron microscopy with the connective tissue digestion method.

The rat myenteric plexus was chemically microdissected and the internal structures of the ganglia were demonstrated under a scanning electron microscope. The present preparation offers a view of the three-dimensional features of ganglion cells and permits their surface structures and the size and pattern of varicosities to be observed. Numerous finger-like processes were observed on the cell bodies of the studded neurons in close relationship with the varicose axons. The intramuscular branches of the plexus were also microdissected and their running pattern was observed.