388 NORMAL HISTOLOGY. 



The last set the interbulbar fibres probably have no concern with the im- 

 pressions of taste and serve to convey sensory stimuli of other value. After 

 repeated division, their ultimate fibrillae terminate in minute bead-like endings 

 that lie free between the epithelial cells. The nerves distributed to the taste- 

 buds the intrabulbar fibres enter at the basal pole. Usually from two to 

 five for each bud, on gaining the interior of the latter they undergo rapid 

 division. A majority of the resulting fibrillae ascend in tortuous windings 

 towards the apex of the bud in the vicinity of which some end, while others 

 recurve and end at lower levels. The fibrillae terminate in free, usually 

 minute knob-like endings, that lie between and in close contact with the sup- 

 porting and gustatory cells. It is probable that in no instance do the nerve- 

 fibrillae actually unite with the gustatory cells, the relation being one of appo- 

 sition and not of continuity. 



