normal merkel cells are characterized by the following morphological features : 1 ) localization restricted to the basal layer of the epidermis , 2 ) adjoining afferent nerve endings containing many mitochondria , 3 ) specific small round granules usually accumulated in the cytoplasm on one side of the nucleus facing the junction of the nerve ending , 4 ) highly lobulated irregular shape of the nucleus , 5 ) well developed golgi apparatus with a few immature granules situated on the side of the nucleus opposite the junction at the ending , 6 ) spine-like processes extending from the cell surface where no nerve endings abut , 7 ) desmosomes and desmosome-like membrane thickening on the cell surface both abutting the surrounding keratinocytes and the nerve endings .
C0010834
cytoplasm
C0018042
golgi apparatus