Figure 4

Schematic 3D model of basal region of the type II acinus (Fig. 3A), reconstructed from serial ultrathin sections of unfed Ixodes ricinus female salivary glands. (A) Schematic image of acinus indicating the position of the reconstructed area highlighted in panel (B). (B) Axonal projections (red) running along the acinar duct (green) are encapsulated by basal epithelial cells (ECs, blue) and projections of ablumenal epithelial cells (AECs, aqua-blue). (C,D) Magnified regions of image (B), with coordinates shown in their insets. Note that ECs separate the axons from direct contact with the acinar duct. Occasional contact of axons with the granular cell (grey/greenish) is detailed in (C). For 3D animation see Video 1. Scale bars: 2 µm (B), 200 nm (C,D).