part_of adult TAG glandular region adult TAG glandular epithelium Fig. 16-17; Fig, 16-18, in Biology of Ticks ISBN:0-19-505910-7. TADS:0000453 TADS:0000453 This consists of several layers of large, cuboidal secretory cells and stellate (non-secretory) support cells. In feeding females, these cells multiply and expand greatly in size. The secretory cells are filled with masses of proteinaceous material at the apical ends of the cells. The apical cell surfaces have masses of microvilli that protrude into the lumen. A thin connective tissue layer with a few smooth muscle cells surrounds the epithelium and forms the outer wall of the TAG. default_namespace portion of tissue