A defining feature of these cells is the
presence of dense-cored vesicles (80–100 nm) and
their location directly adjacent the basal lamina.
The most significant characteristic of this cell is its
innervation. Within the filament is a dense
subepithelial nervous network composed of mostly
unmyelinated nerve fibers. Processes of unmyelinated
nerve fibers cross the basal lamina, and
multiple contacts are made with the same NEC.
These cells are believed to function as oxygen
sensors and to be involved in the regulation of
blood flow (see Sudin and Nilsson, 2002, this
issue).