Figure 7. The intimate relationship between the nerve trunk and the ICs in the muscle layer of 5-day (A), 40-day (B) and 70-day (C) groups, respectively. Higher magnification views of the square frame in (A). The IC projections were close to the nerve trunk in the 5-day group. Higher magnification views of the square frame in (B), the close connection between the axon and the IC projection. Higher magnification views of the square frames in (C). The close connection not only between the axon and the IC projection (a), but between the muscle and the IC soma (b). IC, interstitial cells; NF, nerve fibers; SMA, Smooth muscle; ax, axon. (Bar = 2μm in A, Bar = 1μm in B,C.)