Fine structure of fetal rat calvarium; provisional identification of preosteoclasts.

This is a study of the fine structure of cells of the 20-day fetal rat calvarium. Special attention is given to identifying and characterizing preosteoclasts. These cells are relatively common and located largely, but not exclusively, at the endocranial bone surface. The preosteoclasts are characterized by abundant mitochondria, an incomplete perinuclear Golgi apparatus, and variable-shaped dense granules. The dense granules are unique in appearance in that they contain an internal dense matrix surrounded by a clear halo. Most granules are circular in shape but some are elongate or tubular in form. Granules with identical appearance are observed in osteoclasts. The preosteoclasts are mononucleate, or occasionally binucleate. It is suggested that because preosteoclasts are morphologically distinctive dna relatively abundant, it should be feasible to separate these cells from a heterogeneous cell isolate.