Olfactory mucosa in the nose (human)

Stain: Toluidine blue, one-micron Epon plastic section. Pseudostratified epithelium with light stained nuclei (1) (note distinct nucleoli) of olfactory cells. At the surface faintly stained cilia/microvilli (2). Nuclei of sustentacular (supporting) cells (3) are stained darker and predominantly in the upper regions their apically granular cytoplasms (lipid granules and lysosomes) are discernible. The ultimate lower row (5) of basal cells have slightly darker stained nuclei. In the lamina propria branched tubuloalveolar glands (4, olfactory glands of Bowman) are present which produce secretion with dissolved odoriferous substances. Capillaries, fibroblasts and macrophages are also observed.