ALBERT

Notizen: The structure of the longitudinal zebra stripes on the thorax of adult Zaprionus vittiger has been investigated by light-, polarization-, transmission electron-, and scanning electron microscopy. Each stripe consists of a central white stripe of about 50 μm width and two lateral dark brown stripes about 30 μm wide. Three different types of trichomes occur: Very long bent trichomes of the grooved-type, long bent trichomes of the crested-type, and short straight trichomes. The central white stripe contains neither bristle organs nor short straight trichomes but carries many long bent trichomes most of which are of the grooved type, contain two cavities and polarize the light in the polarization microscope. The dark brown stripes carry bristle organs and many trichomes of the short and straight-type. Bent trichomes of the crested-type are found on the whole zebra stripe at about equal frequencies; they contain no cavities and do not polarize the light. The cuticle of the dark stripes is underlain by pigment cells. It is suggested that the pigment granules in the epidermal cells cause the dark color of the dark brown stripes, whereas the form and structure of the bent grooved type trichomes cause the white color of the central stripe.

Notizen: New data on the brain of Latimeria indicate that previous estimates of the brain weight were too high by a factor of two. Our data suggest a brain weight of 1.1-1.5 grams for a specimen with a body weight of 30 kilograms. Quantitative data on major divisions of the brain are presented for the first time, and the relative size of the major brain divisions is similar to that of sturgeons and generalized sharks (such as hexanchids and squalids). Examination of brain component weight (s): body weight plots in a sample of non-teleost actinopterygian fishes indicates that all major divisions of the brain, except the telencephalon, are larger than in Latimeria. Brain component sizes in Latimeria are more similar to those extrapolated for amphibian brains than to those for actinopterygians. However, the cerebellum of Latimeria is considerably larger than that of amphibians.

Notizen: The Champy-Maillet osmium tetroxide-zinc iodide technique and a new method using azur B-sodium thioglycolate were used to study the general nervous tissue structure in planarians. A subepidermal and a submuscular nerve plexus, partially reported by earlier authors, are described, and a gastrodermal plexus is reported for the first time in triclads. The possible functions for each one of these plexuses are discussed. By the Champy-Maillet method, the innervation within the parenchyma appears as an array of numerous single nerve fibers that course between the parenchyma cells making apparent synaptic contacts. The pharynx has outer and inner nerve nets similar in structure to the submuscular nerve plexus. Both nerve nets are connected to each other by radial nerves.The central nervous system has a sponge-like structure with many lacunae filled with cell bodies, dorso-ventral muscle fibers, parenchymal cell processes and excretory ducts. The existence of this sponge-like nervous tissue structure is discussed in relation to the still incomplete centralization of the nervous tissue in these organisms, to the lack of a true vascular system and to the acoelomate level of organization. A comparison with the nervous tissue structure of more advanced groups like polyclads and nemertines is suggested.

Notizen: Comparison of germ cells in male and female embryos of the arrhenotokous thrips, Haplothrips verbasci, yields the following observations: A mean of 11 cleavage energids enter the posterior pole plasm of the egg after the sixth cleavage division and apparently become pole cells when they take up polar granules in their cytoplasm. The cells proliferate asynchronously prior to and during anatrepsis to yield a mean of 36 germ cells in male embryos and 31 in females. Visible sexual differentiation of germ cells begins during germ band elongation and is completed shortly after the appearance of appendages. Female germ cells are larger than those of the males and may contain two nucleoli. The germ cells separate into two groups just before katatrepsis and mesodermal cells collect about these to form the primary epithelial sheaths of the gonads and the primordia of the gonoducts shortly after revolution is completed. Each gonad contains a mean of 13 germ cells in male embryos and 7 in females - a number that persists until mitosis resumes after hatching. During ketatrepsis, a mean of 11 germ cells in male embryos and 2.6 in females fail to be enclosed within the gonads, become dispersed in the yolk and perhaps transform into vitellophages.Germ cell development in H. verbasci embryos resembles similar events taking place in psocid embryos, providing additional evidence for a close phylogenetic relationship between Thysanoptera and Psocoptera.

Notizen: A sensory papilla is described in the eyestalk of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus during the last embryonic stages and during larval stages by light microscopy. This region was also investigated with the scanning electron microscopy, which showed sensory hairs in the postmolt adult; they disappear during intermolt and premolt. Simultaneous cyclic changes in hair papillae are observed in the hypodermis. The possibility of a chemoreceptive function is discussed.

Notizen: Formation of nuclear envelopes during the last cleavage mitosis and the formation of the cell membranes during the cellularization of the blastoderm have been studied ultrastructurally in the blowfly egg. Dense bodies arising from yolk granules by budding could contain membrane material destined to be incorporated into the new membranes of the blastoderm. The presence of transitional structures indicates that these bodies can be converted into dark multivesicular bodies. Large amounts of endoplasmic reticulum are found around the mitotic nuclei. Clusters or branched chains of vesicles associated with this are interpreted as evidence for the formation of endoplasmic reticulum by the breakdown of dark multivesicular bodies. Nuclear envelopes of mitotic daughter nuclei probably originate from endoplasmic reticulum. The egg contains both intranuclear and extranuclear annulate lamellae.The main events of cytokinesis are furrow initiation and cell membrane growth during the slow first phase, but probably only cytokinetic movement during the rapid second phase. On the assumption that cell membrane growth occurs by incorporation of complete membrane pieces, the addition of coated vesicles and/or light multivesicular bodies is definitely most probable. Some intermediate profiles indicate that light and dark multivesicular bodies are related. The membrane needed for second phase cytokinesis could well be provided by the unfolding of surface microvilli and protuberances of the furrow canal.

Notizen: The vascular anatomy of five beavers (Castor canadensis) was studied by dissection and injection of arteries and veins with vinyl acetate. There is extensive countercurrent arrangement of arteries and veins distal to and including the common iliac artery and veins. Two types of countercurrent vessels occur (1) a venae comitantes type in which two or three veins surround a central artery, and (2) a modified rete type. The retia are located proximal to the large flat tail and the webbed hind feet. Two bypass veins are described for the feet and tail and the significance of these structures in temperature regulation is stressed.

Notizen: Larval Typhlotriton spelaeus collected from five caves in Pulaski Co., Missouri, were kept as larvae or induced to transform in darkness or continuous fluorescent illumination. Larvae maintained in darkness for 215 and 279 days had smaller eyes, smaller rod inner and outer segments, and fewer metaphase figures in the genninative zone of the neural retina than comparable larvae maintained in light (258 lux). Except for visual cell size, differences were small and for each characteristic exceptions were observed. One larva kept in light showed early retinal degeneration comparable to that in transformed adults of T. spelaeus. All larvae exhibited optomotor behavior both before and after the experiment.Among animals induced to transform by L-thyroxin and maintained in darkness 111 to 366 days, visual cell and pigment epithelium degeneration was more extensive and more frequent than in animals kept for the same length of time in light (237-298 lux). In darkness the frequency of animals with retinal degeneration increased between 111 and 366 days. In light some animals exhibited pigment epithelium reduction with normal visual cells, and others had free, pigmented cells in the subretinal space. These effects were not comparable to degeneration in darkness. Eyelids covered the eyes of only a few animals in both light and dark treatments. The extent of eyelid encroachment over the eye was greater in darkness than in light. Most animals exhibited optomotor responses after experiments, but responses of animals kept in darkness were impaired in comparison to those of animals kept in light.

Notizen: Exercise affects the growth of the dorsal longitudinal flight muscles in the tsetse fly. Examination of electron micrographs of flight muscles taken from flies subjected to enforced exercise, “ormal” exercise and no exercise reveals that both mitochondrial and myofibrillar fractions of the muscles are stimulated to grow at a faster rate by enforced exercise but that the mitochondria respond more rapidly.

Notizen: Ultrastructure and shell formation in the testaceous ameba, Lesquereusia spiralis, were investigated with both scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. The nucleus, surrounded by a fibrous lamina, contains multiple nucleoli. The cytoplasm, containing a well developed granular endoplasmic reticulum, also contains remnants of starch granules in stages of digestion. Spherical aggregates of ribosome-like particles may be seen. Golgi complexes seem to produce both a nonordered fibrous material and an electron dense vesicle. Only the latter appears to bleb off from the Golgi complex. X-ray microanalysis demonstration of silicon in Golgi vesicles and in some dense vesicles suggests that the fibrous component of the cisternae may take up and concentrate silica to form the electron-dense component of the vesicles. Membrane-bound siliceous crystals are often seen adjacent to the Golgi, suggesting either a Golgi origin or platelet formation in vesicles after release from the Golgi complex. Both electron-dense bodies and siliceous platelets are released from the cell by a process similar to apocrine secretion and may be seen outside the cell in route to the shell during shell morphogenesis. Shell development involves fusion of electron-dense bodies to form a matrix, positioning of siliceous platelets in this matrix parallel to the shell surface, and development of a system of matrix chambers. A particulate glycoconjugate is released to the shell surface upon rupture of the matrix chamber.

Notizen: A staging system has been devised for normal regeneration from the upper arm in the mature axolotl. It consists of seven externally definable stages: (1) Wound healing (WH); (2) Dedifferentiation (DD); (3) Early bud (EB); (4) Medium bud (MB); (5) Late bud (LB); (6) Palette (Pal), and (7) Digital outgrowth (DO). Serial histological sections of 38 regenerating limbs were used to correlate gross stages with microscopic events in the regenerative process.

Notizen: Anatomical components of afferent innervation in the rim of the octopus sucker are described. In the sensory epithelium under the smooth cuticle two associated ciliated receptor cell-types (presumably chemosensitive) occur in clusters. A third ciliated receptor cell-type under the toothed cuticle may be a mechanoreceptor. A non-ciliated receptor cell-type of unknown function, under the toothed cuticle, is characterized by a microvillus-lined apical canal containing dense granular material. The axons of the latter two receptors go directly into large nerve tracts which nm through the infundibular muscle and on to the ganglion of the sucker. The axons of the first cell-types terminate on interneurons either in the base of the epithelium or below the epithelium. All the interneurons of the basal region of the epithelium migrate centripetally and develop into encapsulated interneurons. Within the epithelium, fine fibers provide collateral contact among cluster receptors. Collateral interaction among basal and encapsulated interneurons occur in the infundibular plexus. The microanatomy of the rim of the sucker suggests that chemosensory cues are funneled into the interneurons where they are concentrated into integrated signals, while other sensory input is probably sent directly to the ganglia of the sucker and/or arm.

Notizen: The blood cells in the bud and the zooid of the polystyelid ascidian, Polyzoa vesiculiphora, were examined by means of light and electron microscopy to identify the cells that have been named trophocytes. The large blood cells were abundant in the mesenchymal space of the bud, but not in that of the functional zooid. They contained glycogen particles, lipid droplets, large protein granules and autophagosomes in their cytoplasm and were identified as granular amoebocytes. The majority of these cells were specifically phagocytized by phagocytes during bud development and disappeared. These results indicate that the granular amoebocytes virtually represent trophocytes in Polyzoa and may participate in bud development via nutrient supply to the developing tissues.

Notizen: Timed pregnancies were obtained in Sprague-Dawley rats and early ultrastructural differentiation of myocardium of embryos of 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 days was investigated and compared with that of newborn. Ten-day myocardium is characterized by loosely packed cells; the cytoplasm is typified by a dearth of organelles. Both thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments become identifiable for the first time in the 10-day myocardium where the heart is pulsating but circulation is not established. These filaments are not visible in the embryos of 9-day-old myocardium. The formation of these filaments is observed to continue throughout the period covered in this investigation. Concomitant with the appearance of the myofilaments is the synthesis of Z band material. By the eleventh day of gestation and during the subsequent days there is a rapid proliferation and differentiation of most of the organelles. The myofilaments become organized into fully formed striated fibrils. Intercalated discs appear as. small wavy lines on the eleventh day and become plicated in later stages and serve as cell boundaries and points of attachment for myofilaments and fibrils. There is a perceptible change in the number and morphology of mitochondria from the tenth to eleventh day and later stages of development when the heart becomes functional. Similarly, there is a rapid proliferation and differentiation of granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies. Large quantities of free ribosomes are dispersed in the cytoplasm of 10-day myocardium; however, in later stages there is a progressive reduction in the distribution of these particles. An intimate association of ribosomes and polysomes with the developing myofibrils is discernible. The T -system and sarcoplasmic reticulum begin to appear in II-day myocardium. The embryonic myocardium displays intense mitotic activity throughout its development and a unique feature of embryonic myocardial cells is the simultaneous occurrence of myofilament synthesis and mitotic activity within the same cells.

Notizen: The fine structure of midgut cells in two species of Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) has unique features when it is compared to that in the midguts of other arthropods. Features which suggest that food is absorbed in digested form are: the presence of the peritrophic membrane, the glycocalyx, the almost complete absence of pinocytotic vesicles, and the large surface area of a great number of microvilli. Digested products presumably pass into the hemolymph through the network of extracellular canals and cisterns surrounding the basal ends of intestinal epithelial cells. Cells of the midgut in Cladocera differ from those of other arthropods in the simplicity of their basal plasma membranes, which are not highly folded. The small number of membrane invaginations suggests that water reabsorption is very slight, as is the usual condition in aquatic animals.The origin and evolution of peculiar structures we call “multivesicular-like bodies” have been investigated. These display a variety of different morphological features. Some contain acid phosphatase activity and are considered as specialized lysosomes.

Notizen: The swimbladder system of the plainfin midshipman consists of a gas-filled bladder and two intrinsic sonic muscles which are attached to the bladder at opposite sides. An experimental and analytical study was conducted to define the physical characteristics of this dynamic system, and to relate these characteristics to radiated acoustical pressure pulses. Results indicate that the system has two degrees of freedom, being comprised of two inertial, stiffness and damping components; the first and second mode components of a 23.1-centimeter midshipman are 0.002 and 0.019 kg (inertial) 2130 and 106,000 newtons per meter (stiffness) and 0.25 and 0.10 (damping) respectively. This system is excited by the sonic muscle forcing function which equals \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ 0.00236{\rm}\sin \frac{{2\pi {\rm t}}}{{0.0045{\rm}\sec}}{\rm newtons}. $\end{document}Two system frequency response peaks were observed; the first was 110 hertz, at the flat section next to the sonic muscle, and was very near the repetition frequency of the sonic muscle pulses; the second was 350 hertz, at the hemispherical section, which was the frequency of the acoustical pressure pulse. These phenomena describe a dynamical system closely “tuned” to its forcing function, and a system which is highly responsive to acoustical pressure pulses radiated by neighboring midshipmen. The acoustical pressure pulse coincides in wave form with the hemispherical bladder wall acceleration.

Notizen: Fine structural changes in mitochondrial morphology pertaining to size, number and growth were examined in flight muscles of normal and experimentally dewinged male Drosphila melanogaster ranging up to 26 days of age. In the normal winged flies, the number of mitochondria decreases during the first week of adult life whereas the size of individual mitochondrial profile increases significantly. Changes in mitochondrial size and number are due to the fusion of mitochondria. Fused mitochondria are extremely large in size and irregular in shape. In 26-day old normal flies, the number of mitochondria increases while the mitochondrial size is reduced indicating mitochondrial division. In comparison to the normal flies, dewinged flies exhibit a similar degree of mitochondrial fusion and growth during the first week of life. However, the extent of mitochondrial fission in 26-day old dewinged flies is greater than in the normal flies of this age. Structural mechanisms of mitochondrial fusion and fission are described. The objective of this study was to examine the relative effects of age and flight activity on the mitochondria.

Notizen: The radii of curvature (R) of the horizontal (Rh), anterior (Ra) and posterior (Rp) semicircular canals were measured by a new technique (called ROTA) for cat, guinea pig and man. For each canal, data points from the ossecus canal were rotated and plotted by computer such that the plane of the sheet of computer plot corresponded to the plane best fitting that canal. The radius of each osseous canal was determined and where necessary, the radius of the are of data points was corrected for thickness of the absent tissue. For cat, guinea pig and man there are differences in R between canals within a labyrinth suggesting that if other things are equal there could be differences in the average mechanical sensitivity of the canals, which is consistent with physiological recordings from primary vestibular neurons in the cat, The Rs determined by ROTA are compared with Rs determined by conventional histological means.

Notizen: Histochemical and electron microscopic methods have revealed that there are four types of cell inclusions in the late vitellogenic oocytes of Oncopeltus. (a) Type 1 is a vacuole which seems to be contributed from the tropharium via the nutritive tubes. It is suggested that this type consists partly at least of nucleolus-like material (ribonucleoprotein) emitted from the nuclei of the Zone III trophocytes. (b) Type 2 is lipid yolk which in early stage oocytes seems to be produced in the “Balbiani body.” In the vitellogenic oocytes these lipid spheres are apparently imported by the oocyte from the haemolymph either through the follicle cells, or through the extracellular space in the follicular epithelium. (c) Type 3 is carbohydrate/protein yolk where at least part of the protein (“vitellogenic protein”) is taken up from the haemolymph, transported through the extracellular space in the follicular epithelium, and deposited into the oocyte by pinocytosis. (d) Glycogen is deposited from the early phases of vitellogenesis.The tropharium may contribute, besides Type 1 vacuoles, ribosomes, mitochondria, stacks of annulated lamellae, and “food vacuoles” to the oocytes. Specialized cells which line the tropharium and send projections toward the trophic core have been called “peripheral trophocytes.” Contrary to the regular trophocytes, they contain glycogen and an abundance of Golgi complexes.

Notizen: The alimentary tract of the desert millipede Orthoporus ornatus is essentially a straight tube consisting of a histologically distinct foregut, midgut, pylorus, hindgut, and rectum. Common to each region, but often different in regional appearance, are an outer sheath layer, longitudinal and circular muscle layers, a basement membrane, and an inner epithelial layer. Foregut and midgut lumina are lined by a cuticular intima, while a peritrophic membrane occurs in the midgut lumen.Gut structure is considered in the context of the known feeding habits and digestive efficiency of this long-lived, seasonally restricted detritivore.

Notizen: The proturan hindgut consists of two regions, with different ultrastructure. The anterior region is organized into three primary longitudinal folds alternating with three smaller, secondary ones.In Acerentomon each primary fold in a cross section contains one or two cells showing all the structures which are involved in water reabsorption. The cells of the secondary folds do not seem engaged in a similar function.In Eosentomon the primary folds present a more complicated organization. Each of them consists of one central cell concerned with reabsorption and two lateral ones. Beneath these cells, on both sides of the fold there is a longitudinal muscle fiber.The posterior region of the hindgut does not seem capable of modifying the gut contents.

Notizen: The degree of minced rat muscle regeneration in the absence of nerve fibers was compared with that of normal regenerates between one and 270 days postoperatively. Up to around 30 days, the number of muscle fibers and their morphology were comparable in both normal innervated and denervated regenerates; both showed clear cross striations and peripherally located nuclei. Histochemically, SDH and myofibrillar ATPase (pH = 9.4) reactions were positive, but there were no typical signs of fiber types in either case of regeneration. The only consistent difference in the early period was the smaller fiber cross sectional areas in denervated regenerates than in innervated ones. Starting about 40 days, the muscle fibers in innervated regenerates became differented into different fiber types (fast-twitch-oxidative-glycolytic, FOG., fast-twitch-glycolytic, FG., slow-twitch-oxidative, SO.) but there were no such activities in denervated regenerates, although their SDH and myofibrillar ATPase reactions remained positive for a long time. Degenerating muscle fibers could no longer be identified in innervated regenerates. In the denervated regenerates, however, muscle fibers underwent atrophic or degenerative changes and were replaced by connective tissue. The complete disappearance of muscle fibers varied with individual regenerates. In some cases, it occurred about 90 days and in others, traces of muscle fibers could still be seen as late as 150 days postoperatively. Thus, nerves seem to be important primarily in the late phase of regeneration; namely, differentiation of fiber types and maintenance of the structural integrity of muscle fibers.

Notizen: Ultrastructural analysis of initial development of actinotrichia, the skeleton anlage of the pelvic fin buds, was performed on the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri. It shows that the first actinotrichial rudiments appear in the subepidermal space of the pseudoapical cap. No mesenchymal cell bodies or their filopods are present. Hyaloplasmic protrusions of the basal epidermal cells are seen in the subepidermal space, limited by a dermoepidermal boundary reduced to a discontinuous thin adepidermal lamina without a collagenous layer. These morphological data suggest that the epidermal pseudoapical cap probably initiates the development of actinotrichia. Later, mesenchymal cells invade the subepidermal space and are probably involved in the further growth of actinotrichia.

Notizen: Synaptic organization of the nucleus rotundus was studied with the electron microscope in three teleost species belonging to the same order. In spite of the different histological organization (non-laminated, incompletely laminated, and laminated), the same kinds of axon terminals (S and F) are observed in all species. A fibrous layer which is clearly formed only in the laminated nucleus is composed of F1 terminals and dendrites from a layer of small cells. The same kind of synapses formed between F1 terminals and dendrites of small cells are also found among glomeruli in the non-laminated and incompletely laminated nuclei. The main constituents of glomeruli are S and F2 terminals and dendrites of large cells in the non-laminated and incompletely laminated nuclei, and are S terminals and star-like structures which correspond to the tips of the dendrites of large cells in the laminated nucleus. The star-like structure contains numerous mitochondria and clusters of small polymorphic vesicles. Some of the vesicles aggregate at thickened cell membranes of the structure as in presynaptic dendrites.

Notizen: Latero-frontal, para-latero-frontal, and frontal ciliary tracts on the gill filaments of Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) were studied with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Latero-frontal cirri are complex structures composed of varying numbers of paired cilia. The multiple pairs of cilia which constitute a single cirrus are closely appressed for a portion of their length; they then branch laterally from the central axis in a plume-like fashion. Latero-frontal cirri of adjacent gill filaments create a filtration sieve which should be capable of retaining particles smaller than 1 μm in diameter. Para-latero-frontal cilia are short, closely spaced cilia arranged as a staggered row along the frontal side of each tract of latero-frontal cirri. Latero-frontal cirri and para-latero-frontal cilia occur on ordinary, principal, and transitional gill filaments. Frontal ciliary tracts of ordinary filaments are divided into a central, ventrally directed coarse tract, flanked on either side by a dorsally directed fine ciliary tract. The coarse tract is covered by cirri which are comprised of five to eight cilia, while the fine frontal tracts are made up of individually functioning cilia. The frontal ciliary tracts of principal and transitional filaments bear only dorsally directed fine cilia. The unique direction of effective beat of the coarse frontal cirri of ordinary filaments, in combination with the action of fine frontal cilia and the strategic location of mucus producing cells, is used to describe a possible mechanism for the sorting of filtered particles.

Notizen: The striatum of the lizard Tupinambis nigropunctatus lies in the lateral wall of the telencephalon and consists of two major subdivisions: the dorsal striatum and the ventral striatum.Electrolytic lesions were placed in all parts of the striatal complex and in adjacent areas and the subsequent anterograde degeneration was studied using the Nauta-Gygax and Fink-Heimer techniques. Lesions in the dorsal striatum cause terminal degeneration in the ventral striatum both ipsi- and contralaterally. In addition, projections have been found to the lateral amygdaloid nucleus and to parts of the dorsal striatum not affected by the lesion. Following lesions in the ventral striatum fiber degeneration could always be observed in the ventral peduncle of the lateral forebrain bundle.Corresponding terminal degeneration was found in the anterior and posterior entopeduncular nuclei, the tegmentum mesencephali, the substantia nigra, the prerubral area, the mesencephalic central grey and the lateral cerebellar nucleus. When the large celled part of the ventral striatum was involved in the lesion additional degeneration could be traced to the nucleus rotundus via the dorsal peduncle of the lateral forebrain bundle.

Notizen: Ears from several species of carcharhinid sharks were studied by gross dissection, light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Structures along a possible sound transmission path to the ear are described, but main consideration is given to the structure of the macula neglecta.The macula neglecta is composed of two patches of sensory epithelium which line part of the posterior canal duct. In an adult shark the larger of these contains 224,000 sensory hair cells oriented so as to detect forces directed posteroventrolaterally in the duct. The smaller patch contains 43,000 hair cells oriented so as to detect oppositely directed forces. These receptor cells project through numerous small terminals to a total for both patches of 4,700 myelinated nerve fibers. Cytostructural variations throughout the hair cell population are also reported.Estimated acoustic properties of the tissues in this complex and the processing potential of the neural elements are interpreted as suggestive of auditory function. A mechanism based on the geometry of the receptor arrays is proposed to explain behaviorally observed instantaneous sound localization from the farfield.Evolution of the macula neglecta is reviewed, and evidence for homology of the macula neglecta and amphibian papilla is presented.

Notizen: The occurrence of Marchi-positive myelinoid bodies in the ventrolateral cervical spinal cord white matter was investigated by light and electron microscopy in adult animals of the following species: cat, rabbit, guinea pig, rat, mouse, frog and perch. In addition some observations were made on human specimens. The bodies were found to be present in all the examined species, being most numerous in the rabbit and guinea pig. The lowest incidence was seen in the mouse and frog. The bodies consistently prevailed along the paranodes of large myelinated fibers and generally showed a rounded or ovoid shape. In all animals the size spectrum of the Marchi-positive myelinoid bodies showed a peak at about 3 μ. The sizes varied from less than 1 μ to over 25 μ. The size range was widest in the perch, the ventrolateral white matter of which contained a great number of very large bodies, and most narrow in the rat. Calculations of the total myelinoid body volume per unit volume of ventrolateral white matter or myelin, showed very high values in the perch (0.03 μ3/μ3 myelin), high values in the cat, rabbit and guinea pig (0.006-0.007 μ3/μ3 myelin) and low values in the rat, mouse and frog (0.001-0.002 μ3/μ3 myelin). The white matter specimens from animals with a high total myelinoid body volume contained large fibers with thick myelin sheaths, which were not found in the specimens from animals with a low total myelinoid body volume.Electron-microscopically, the picture was rather uniform. In all species examined the myelinoid bodies were composed of a lamellated shell of varying thickness that surrounded a central zone of highly electron-dense material or an empty cavity. In most cases the bodies were linked to myelin sheaths through oligodendroglial cytoplasm. Less frequently free bodies were observed within astrocytes or microglia.The findings are interpreted in support of the view that myelinoid bodies may be regarded as an expression of the turnover of myelin material in thick myelin sheaths.

Notizen: All birds have a glial enclosed, glycogen-containing structure in the lumbosacral region of their spinal cords. Recently, a dorsal, central, glycogen-rich area surrounding the central canal in the brachial spinal cord was described in domestic chickens. In order to topographically delineate and histochemically describe this structure, fresh, frozen serial sections of chicken brains and spinal cords were processed for glycogen content, phosphorylase, succinic dehydrogenase and cholinesterase activities. The glycogen-rich area surrounding the central canal in the lumbosacral region is found at all levels of the spinal cord and lower medulla. In the upper medulla, it is located in the midline floor immediately ventral to the ependyma. It persists in this position until the level of the oculomotor complex where it ends. Phosphorylase positive regions closely parallel the glycogen distribution. No succinic dehydrogenase or cholinesterase activities are found in these areas.

Notizen: The developmental rates of male and female embryos of Xyleborus ferrugineus were compared by charting for each sex the mean age for each of ten discrete morphological stages of embryogenesis from pole cell exclusion to eclosion. Male and female embryos developed synchronously from stage 1 (which begins with pole cell exclusion) through stage 4 (which ends with the completion of germ band extension and metamerization). After stage 4 and throughout the remainder of embryogenesis, the mean ages per morphological stage of male embryos were significantly greater than those for female embryos. The expected physiological consequences of a haploid genome in the male embryo as compared to a diploid condition in the female embryo are discussed as the possible basis for the persistent lag observed in male developmental rate after stage 4.

Notizen: The morphology of the chaetae of the maldanid polychaetes Clymenella torquata (Leidy) and Euclymene oerstedi (Claparède) (= Caesicirrus neglectus Arwidsson, '11) are described and related to movements observed in the laboratory. Graphs are constructed of the number and length of the neuropodial chaetae of each chaetiger throughout the body of Clymenella and of species of the genera Euclymene, Macroclymene and Axiothella, and show a characteristic and relatively constant pattern for each species. This work suggests that in making taxonomic decisions, more attention should be paid to the overall pattern of the neuropodial chaetae and less to the confusing distinction between aciculae and rostral uncini.

Notizen: An analysis of mechanical and architectural aspects of three hamstring muscles in the cat, semitendinosus (ST), semimembranosus anterior (SMa), and semimembranosus posterior (SMp), is presented based on whole muscle tetanic tension profiles. Length-active tension curves for each muscle were obtained by electrical stimulation of the whole muscle with a train of stimuli at 100 pulses per second (pps) for 600 milliseconds.Information from motion picture analysis (Goslow et al., '73) and electromyographic (EMG) activity (Engberg and Lundberg, '69) as seen during the step cycle is combined with analysis of joint torques to present a picture of the differential functions of the three muscles. The length-active tension characteristics of ST and SMa are such that they develop high amounts of tension throughout their physiological excursions. Maximal tension is produced over a much more limited range by SMp. A division of labor for the three muscles is proposed: the one-joint SMa is shown to be a primary hip extensor whose action facilitates smooth oscillation of the leg. Torque and electrical activity during the step cycle indicate the two-joint ST is a primary knee flexor. The more limited range of maximum torque and variable EMG pattern of the other two-joint muscle, SMp, relate to the fact that it has primary activity during high speed gaits when it may act to initiate spine flexion and assist in hip extension.Excursion and activity data have led to the conclusion that biarticular muscles (ST and SMp) may benefit from the combined action of two joints to maintain near maximal tension and torque during active phases of the step cycle. Thus, biarticular muscles may have evolved as much for the mechanical and physiological benefits they derive as for two-joint action itself.

Notizen: Oogenesis has been investigated utilizing both light and electron microscopical techniques in the squid, Loligo pealei. This complex process has been divided into five stages according to the structure of the follicle. Because of the highly coordinated differentiation of the follicle cells (and follicular syncytium) and the oocyte, their development is described in concert. Specific attention is given to the contribution of the follicular syncytium to vitellogenesis and the formation of the extracellular egg envelope or chorion. Our observations indicate heterosynthetic yolk production and the synthesis of the secondary envelope by the follicular syncytium.

Notizen: A recently presented model of tongue projection dynamics is used to generate a series of predictions concerning morphologies to be expected under selection for increased distance of projection, increased speed of projection, and increased directional versatility. A general understanding of biomechanical events and the model are used as points of departure for making specific predictions concerning details of structure in skeletal, muscular and connective tissue components of the tongue and associated structures. Comparative methods are used to examine these predictions in the genera of plethodontid salamanders. These salamanders are known to project their tongues to different degrees, and this knowledge is used to test the hypotheses concerning morphological specialization. Three distinct groups of plethodontid salamanders have evolved specializations for long distance projection, and these genera differ from one another in important ways in respect to specific character complexes. For example, the tropical genera and Hydromantes use CBII as the major force transmission element in the skeleton, while Eurycea and its allies use CBI in this role. Hydromantes differs from both in having a uniquely proportioned and structured hyobranchial skeleton and associated musculature. Less extreme specializations for tongue projection are found in different combinations in three other groups. Finally, two distinct groups of generalized species having only limited tongue projection capabilities are recognized, each having a unique complex of inter-related features. Each of these eight groups is recognized and characterized as a functional mode, and hypotheses concerning the biomechanical meaning of the character complexes of each are formulated.

Notizen: The mechanical properties of the whole muscle and fast-twitch muscle units of the cat hindlimb pretibial flexors have been explored and related to normal locomotion. Tibialis anterior (TA) is parallel-fibered and functionally crosses a single joint, the ankle, whereas extensor digitorum longus (EDL) is pinnate and spans the ankle, knee, metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. The active tetanic tension of TA remains near its peak value over a range of muscle lengths associated with normal ankle movement. In contrast, the length-tension curve of EDL is sharply peaked. However, normal corollary action of the knee, ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints during stepping minimizes EDL's excursion and maintains it at or near a length optimal for peak tension development. EDL is capable of producing synchronous but sterotyped digit and ankle movements while TA provides for independent ankle flexion at all relevant joint angles.The mechanical properties of 84 TA and 98 EDL fast-twitch muscle units were studied by measuring twitch contraction time (≤45 msec), peak tetanic tension, response to repetitive stimulation, and contractile fatigue resistance during electrical stimulation of single alpha axons, functionally isolated from ventral root filaments. These mechanical properties were essentially similar for both muscles with the exception of mean peak tetanic tension which was 30% lower for TA units (14 gm-wt) than for EDL units (20 gm-wt). A high proportion of units in both muscles demonstrated fatigue resistance which is reflective of the repetitive, phasic demand upon these muscles during locomotion.

Notizen: The glandular layer constitutes the greatest bulk of the human soft palate and is composed of individual compound tubulo-acinar salivary glands. Connective tissue partitions of the submucosa divide the glandular layer into lobules of irregular shapes and sizes. The glands are interwoven and bound firmly together by a connective tissue stroma rich in elastic fibers. The secretory units consist of elongated, branched, and sometimes convoluted tubules lined by a single layer of pyramidal mucous cells.Mucous secretion by acini is supplemented to some degree by mucous acinar cells, which were found as epithelial components of all ducts except the main excretory ducts, suggesting a diffuse distribution of progenitor cells. Some mucous acini communicate with highly convoluted intercalated ducts which occupy partially isolated positions within inter- and intralobular connective tissue septa. These ducts follow the connective tissue septa and eventually join the main duct system. The significance of this system of intercalated ducts is not known. A supplemental functional role is hypothesized.

Notizen: The structure and organization of radial spokes, the principal components between each of the peripheral doublet microtubules and the central sheath which surrounds the central pair of microtubules have been described in Tetrahymena pyriformis Cilia. The radial spokes are grouped in triplets and are attached to the A-microtubule of each peripheral doublet at intervals of 200/280/360 Å, the 200 Å spacing being most distal to the base of the cilium. The radial spoke triplets are organized in the axoneme in a double helix with a pitch of 1,680 Å. A method for determining the helical disposition by correcting for doublet sliding is presented.

Notizen: The dendritic patterns of cells in the optic tectum of the tegu lizard, Tupinambis nigropunctatus, were analyzed with the Ramon-Moliner modification of the Golgi-Cox technique. Cell types were compared with those described by other authors in the tectum of other reptiles; particular comparisons of our results were made with the description of cell types in the chameleon (Ramón, 1896), as the latter is the most complete analysis in the literature. The periventricular gray layers 3 and 5 consist primarily of two cell types  -  piriform or pyramidal shaped cells and horizontal cells. Cells in the medial portion of the tectum, in an area coextensive with the bilateral spinal projection zone, possess dendrites that extend across the midline. The latter cells have either fusiform or pyramidal shaped somas. The central white zone, layer 6, contains fibers, large fusiform or pyramidal shaped cells, fusiform cells, and small horizontal cells. The central gray zone, layer 7, is composed predominantly of fusiform cells which have dendrites extending to the superficial optic layers, large polygonal cells, and horizontal cells. The superficial gray and white layers, layers 8-13, contain polygonal, fusiform, stellate, and horizontal elements. Layer 14 is composed solely of afferent optic tract fibers.Several differences in the occurrence and distribution of cell types between the tegu and the other reptiles studied are noted. Additionally, the laminar distribution of retinal, tectotectal, telencephalic, and spinal projections in the tegutectum can be related to the distribution of cell types, and those cells which may be postsynaptic to specific inputs can be identified. The highly differentiated laminar structure of the reptilian optic tectum, both in regard to cell type and to afferent and efferent connections, may serve as a model for studying some functional properties of lamination common to cortical structures.

Notizen: The arrangement and structure of sinus hair muscles in the snout of the shrew, Sorex unguiculatus, were studied by electron microscopy and serial section light microscopy. Both striated and smooth muscles are directly associated with sinus hair follicles. The striated muscle fibers originate from the base of a follicle and insert onto the superficial portion of adjoining caudally positioned follicles. Some fibers insert into the corium instead of inserting into a follicle. The fibers show a fine structure typical of red fibers. Smooth muscle cells form a network with elastic fibers beneath the corium. Some cells are directly attached to the capsule of the sinus, thus forming a type of M. arrector pili. Striated muscle fibers that appear to end in the corium are connected with the smooth muscle network through the elastic fibers which appear to function as the tendon of these two types of muscle cell.

Notizen: A few very small sensory pegs with the characteristics of chemoreceptors are present in both males and females on the antennal flagellum of the mayflies, Stenacron interpunctatum (Say)Stenacron interpunctatum (Say) is Stenonema interpunctatum (Say) of earlier literature. and Cloeon sp. They are situated near the proximal end of the flagellum on its ventro-lateral surface and have escaped the attention of earlier investigators.

Notizen: Newly metamorphosed Kenyan reed frogs, Hyperolius viridiflavus ferniquei, are able to regenerate amputated digits. The terminal digital pad is also completely reformed. Differentiation of the regenerating digital pad was studied by scanning electron microscopy. External differentiation of the digital pad began late in the second postamputational week with the appearance of small patches of specialized epidermal cells on the ventral surface of the regenerating digit. The differentiation of the pad spread out radially until late in the fourth week, when its overall shape approximated that of the normal digital pad. The appearance of patches of digital pad epidermis on the ends of spike regenerates arising from the forearm was also confirmed.

Notizen: The objectives of this research were to investigate the morphology of the thoracic skeleton and muscles of the mosquito, Culiseta inornata (Williston). The results are presented in 25 text figures and descriptions of each skeletal part and muscle. Undescribed exoskeletal structures are the postmediotergite, intersegmental cleft on the caudal margin of the metapleuron, and the parascutellar process. This process is considered a homologue of the fourth axillary. The acrotergite 2 and subalifer were identified. The prescutum has been called the paratergite by previous authors. The morphological basis for self amputation of legs is described. Undescribed parts of the endoskeleton are: lateral arm of sternal apophysis 1 and its socket on the mesal surface of coxa 1, furcopleural apodeme on sternal apophysis 1, precoxal and postcoxal apodemes arising from the ventral pleural arm, upper and lower laterotergite apodemes on the postnotum, and the pleural and intersegmental apodemes for attachment of halter muscles. Seventy-two muscles are illustrated with their attachments and the origin, insertion, and action of each is described. Ten of the muscles are newly described for the mosquito. There are no muscles inserted on the subalare, second axillary, or third axillary.

Notizen: Volumetric and histological changes of the central nervous system were studied during post embryonic development of a spider, Argiope aurantia.The neural mass of Argiope grows allometrically with respect to volume of the cephalothorax and body weight. In the first instar 46% of the cephalothoracic volume constitutes the neural mass and this is reduced to 4% in the female (9th stage) and 12% in the male (7th stage) spider.Growth curves for the cephalic ganglion, measured at all stages, represent a straight line. The neural mass of females is two and a half times larger than that of the males. The ganglion increased 24 fold in female and 10 fold in male spiders. Addition of neural mass occurs in all stages.The brain volume is greater than that of the subesophageal ganglion in the first two instars. In subsequent stadia, the subesophageal ganglion grows faster, and in females it is finally three times and in males two times larger than the brain.Growth of cortex and neuropile depict exponential curves. Comparison of growth patterns of these shows an inverse relationship during development. While the volume of the cortex is higher in the first two or three stages, the volume of the neuropile is higher in the remaining stadia. The causes for this growth pattern are discussed.Counts of cell numbers show that there is a constant population of neurons throughout the post-embryonic development. The number of nerve cells in females is higher than in males, 11% in the subesophageal ganglion and 58% in the brain.The growth of the cortex is partly accomplished by an increase in cell volume. In male and female spiders the increase in Type-B cells is 20 and 50 fold, while that of large motor neurons is 200 and 600 fold respectively. The motor neurons of 20 μ and above number 63 in male and 916 in female adult spiders.The growth of neuropile occurs through an increase of dendritic arborization and axonal branching. The largest axons measure 1 μ in the first and 16 μ in adult stages. An increase of incoming sensory fibers is also noticed during development.Invasion of neural lamella into cortex and neuropile increases during development. Neural lamella which are 1-2 μ in the first stage grow to 40-100 μ thickness in adult female spiders, near the origin of the main nerves. One type of astral cells, counted in neuropile, increases 10 fold.The appearance of a central body and the beginning of web construction coincide during the second instar. The relationship between these two is discussed.

Notizen: Middle ears (515) from 26 species of the rodent family Heteromyidae  -  genera Dipodomys, Microdipodops, Perognathus, and Liomys  - were studied both grossly and histologically, for qualitative and quantitative comparisons. Middle ear modifications characteristic of each genus are qualitatively described. Quantitative comparisons are made among the 26 species in the study. Some correlations between middle ear size and other measurements are discussed.The middle ear is an acoustical transformer that for best efficiency must match the impedance of the cochlea to the impedance of the air in the external auditory meatus. It accomplishes this by a pressure increase and a velocity decrease through the combined effects of the lever and areal ratios; however, because the important consideration is a matching of two impedances rather than an absolute pressure increase, the pressure transformer ratio is a less informative measure of the middle ear's efficiency than is the impedance transform ratio. The impedance transformer mechanism is explained (from a morphological point of view), and equations are presented. Dipodomys, Microdipodops, and Perognathus have a theoretical transmission (at the resonant frequency) of 94-100% of the incident acoustical energy; Liomys, 78-80%. The areal ratio of stapes footplate to 2/3 tympanic membrane is remarkably constant among the species, varying only from 0.04 to 0.07: in Dipodomys and Microdipodops this small ratio is due to the very large tympanic membrane; in Perognathus and Liomys it is due to the extremely small stapes footplate. The lever ratio of incus to malleus varies from 0.28 to 0.33 in Dipodomys and Microdipodops, from 0.37 to 0.46 in Perognathus, and from 0.55 to 0.60 in Liomys. In addition, the middle ear volumes and the morphology of tympanic membrane, ossicles, ligaments, and muscles, all combine to minimize both mass and stiffness. All these data suggest middle ear mechanisms which are very efficient over a broad frequency range.The middle ear modifications found in heteromyids are adaptive in predator avoidance, especially in areas of little natural cover; nevertheless, contrary to expectations, there is no firm relationship between habitat and the extent of these modifications in the 26 species. However, environment did apparently play an important role in the evolution of the family, and this is discussed.

Notizen: Serial histological sections of kangaroo rats of postnatal ages 0-, 3-, 7-, 10-, and 14-days were prepared and studied. At birth the middle ear is mostly filled with mesenchyme and small in size, having only a small hypotympanum and a very small epitympanic recess. During the first postnatal two weeks, much of the hypertrophy found in the adult middle ear develops. Because an entotympanic element is never formed, the previously called entotympanic chamber is here renamed the hypotympanum. The epitympanic recess greatly expands to form what has been called the dorsal (or anterior) mastoid sinus. Since this chamber has no relation to the mastoid, it is here renamed the epitympanum. Posteriorly, the previously called posterior mastoid sinus develops from the growth of the hypotympanum into and beyond the region of the posterior and horizontal semicircular canals. In development and adult position it is comparable to the primate antrum and so is here renamed the antrum.At birth the organ of Corti is very immature but its major cell types can be identified. During the first two weeks of development the following events occur: (1) the vas spirale disappears, (2) the inner spiral sulcus cells atrophy, (3) the hair cells and supporting cells mature, (4) the cells of Hensen differentiate with their apical processes elevating the reticular lamina, (5) the innermost cell of Claudius migrates under and supports the Hensen's cells, and (6) the hyaline mass of the zona pectinata of the basilar membrane loses its connective tissue cells and expands in size. The developmental events support the previous description and identification of Hensen's and Claudius' cells.

Notizen: The gross morphology of the nervous system supplying the dorsal longitudinal flight muscles of tsetse flies is described. Electron microscopical investigation of the nerves reveals that the dorsal longitudinal muscles are innervated by branches from four main axons. A detailed description of the neuromuscular junctions in the flight muscle is presented.

Notizen: Projection microradiography was used to determine the density and orientation of the force transmitting structures, i.e., trabeculae and bone lying between approximately parallel vascular canals, within the bones of cat skulls. The organisation in the skulls was confirmed statistically for a total of ten cats. The results of the observations showed that within specific areas of the skull a high degree of structural orientation and an increased density of osseous structures was present. The distribution of these characters corresponded in contiguous bones such that a continuum of structural organisation was established between the alveolar region and the site of attachment of the temporalis and masseter muscles and the glenoid region.The patterns of force transmission during jaw closure were determined when a resistance was placed initially between the canines and then the carnassials. An analysis was first carried out on dry skulls using colophonium resin to determine the direction of the force distribution. The nature and the approximate magnitude of the forces were ascertained by replacing the resin with strain gauges. The basic similarities in the strain patterns recorded from the dry skulls and those from the ten anaesthetised cats in which strain gauges had been intra-vitally implanted, substantiated the recordings made on the dry skulls. Combination of the results from the three sets of experiments defined the patterns of force distribution in the cat skull during the closure of the mandible against a resistance. The results showed that: (1) the combined action of the temporalis and masseter muscles tended to reduce the overall strain in the skull bones, and that the deformations produced by the action of the masseter were greater than that exerted by the temporalis muscles; (2) during biting, whether the resistance was placed between the canines or carnassials, compressive forces predominated in the facial bones; (3) small movements observed between facial bones indicated the presence of a flexible component within the skull, thus allowing large forces to be exerted during biting without overstressing the facial bones; (4) the glenoid fossa is part of a force bearing joint; (5) forces generated during biting were resisted within the skull by forces of an opposite nature generated within the system, the incompressible nature of bone and by the effect of the soft tissues; (6) the nature and the magnitude of the strain altered when a resistance was placed at the canines and then at the carnassials; however, the pattern of force distribution within the skull remained the same; (7) there was a direct correspondence between the detailed structural organisation of the bones and the patterns of force distribution. This conclusion would appear to apply in general to mammalian skulls. The study also emphasises the importance, neglected hitherto, of carrying out a variety of experiments to determine the patterns of force distribution in bones.The Trajectorial Theory of bone organisation is discussed and, on the basis of the results obtained, a modified theory is proposed. This states that: the structural continuum is common to the compact and cancellous bone and comprises bony bars which are aligned in the optimum direction for the transmission of force to a region in the bone or bones where it is effectively resisted.

Notizen: A process of nucleolar reorganization apparently identical to that encountered in intestinal epithelial cells (Adamstone and Taylor, '72) develops in kidney cells of aging rats. The polymorphic nucleoli of young tubule cells soon change to amphinucleoli and, while terminal nucleolar reorganization is delayed in cells of collecting tubules, in the nephrons nucleoli soon begin to undergo terminal reorganization becoming bipartite structures with separate plasmosomes and karyosomes. This suggests disruption of the DNA-dependent RNA protein transcription system and failure to maintain the flow of messenger RNA into the cytoplasm. Old cells are not discarded immediately from the kidney tubules and they retain much rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous ribosomes and polysomes and large plasmosomes. Thus a high RNA concentration is known to develop in old kidney tissue while protein synthesis is also known to be low (Kanungo et al., '70; Buetow and Ghandi, '73). Nucleolar counts show gradual increase in bipartite nucleoli at the expense of amphinucleoli and in the senescent kidney bipartite nucleoli predominate. It is suggested that nucleolar reorganization, with final separation of plasmosomes and karyosomes, includes the process of nucleolar segregation and is triggered by some innate nucleolar mechanism in response to encoded genetic information stored in the nucleolus during nucleogenesis. At this time both DNA and RNA are incorporated into the developing nucleolus. It is also to be noted that two shifts in nucleolar dominance occur with advancing age. These may be fundamental to the process of aging and to the onset of senescence. Furthermore, the changes in dominant nucleolar types are the direct result of the process of nucleolar reorganization.

Notizen: There are two discrete lobes comprising the armadillo subman-dibular gland. These two lobes can be defined grossly, histochemically and morphologically with the light and electron microscope. The minor lobe stains more intensely with PAS and AB. When viewed in the electron microscope, the secretory granules of the acinar cells within this lobe appear mucous-like. The granules of the demilune cells are slightly different in appearance. The secretory granules of the acinar cells in the major lobe contain many dense foci embedded in a fibrillar matrix, a substructure not described previously. The demilune cells of this lobe contain secretory granules with a mucous-like structure which is consistent throughout the entire lobe. As in the minor lobe, these demilune cells stain very intensely with PAS and AB.

Notizen: The relationship of the cells and tissues which comprise the developing ovarian follicle in Xenopus laevis has been studied with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The saclike ovary is covered on its coelomic side by a squamous epithelium. The cells of this epithelium are extensively interdigitated, and each bears a short, centrally positioned cilium. The lumenal surface of the ovary is covered with a layer of nonciliated squamous cells. The areas of cell-cell contact are characterized by desmosomes in both epithelia, and between the epithelia lies a connective tissue layer-the theca-which contains collagen fibers, blood vessels, nerves, smooth muscle cells and oogonia. Beneath the theca in each follicle lies a single layer of flat stellate follicle cells. Associations between adjacent follicle cells are intermittent, leaving wide spaces or channels. Junctional contacts between neighboring follicle cells are characterized by desmosomes. From the basal surface of each follicle cell extend long, broad macrovilli which penetrate the underlying acellular vitelline envelope and contact the surface of the oocyte. Evidence is presented which suggests that follicle cells may produce and release components which participate in the formation of the vitelline envelope which consists of a 3-dimensional lattice of ropey fibers. Passageways through the vitelline envelope allow the maintenance of contact between oocyte and follicle cells and also allow ready penetration of materials both to the oocyte (e.g., vitellogenin) and from it (e.g., cortical granule material) at different stages of its development.

Notizen: This study reveals age related changes in the microscopic structure of the paired frontal bone of the domestic rabbit. Undecalcified ground sections were prepared from anterior frontal bone slices removed from New Zealand White rabbits ranging from birth to 24 months of age. Included were 40 females, 4 males and 6 rabbits less than 14 days old of unknown sex. The ground sections revealed both qualitative and quantitative age changes. Qualitative changes include change in bone tissue types and developmental processes, and presence or absence of primary and secondary osteones. Quantitative changes were measured by counting primary osteones in the outer table of each frontal bone half within 1.6 mm of the metopic suture. In this region, primary osteones were absent at birth, limited in number at 14 days and generally numerous between one and three months of age. In animals older than three months, numbers of primary osteones generally decreased with increasing age. No animals older than 16 months revealed primary osteones. Possible sources of variability in the relationship between observed primary osteone number and age include ability to recognize primary osteones, methods of sampling and processing bone slices, sex related differences and diseases afflicting specimen. Significance of this study includes increased knowledge of frontal bone growth and histology.

Notizen: The ascophoran Pentapora foliacea was studied from epoxy sections of skeletal and soft (hard-soft) tissues. The basal wall is double, indicating the colony grew as two independent layers, back to back. The structure of the vertical walls and interzooidal communication organs indicates that zooids were budded in the usual way as in most encrusting cheilostomes. Secondary layers of the frontal wall are of acicular aragonite. The ovicell develops as a flattened cuticular bladder in early ontogeny; the aragonitic layer of the frontal wall later engulfs it. A median vesicle, an evagination of the vestibular wall, is present but the eggs may be supplied with sufficient yolk to nurture the embryo. The overall ovicell structure is similar to that of hyperstomial ovicells in other cheilostomes.

Notizen: This investigation describes the pre-natal morphogenesis of the type I pneumocyte subsequent to its differentiation from pulmonary epithelium. Cells lining subpleural alveolar septa were photographed from serial sections with the electron microscope, and a three-dimensional representation of each cell was obtained by transferring the contours of the cell membranes from montages to transparent plastic sheets which were then spaced to scale and stacked. The results of this study indicate that: The nascent blood-air barrier of a 50-day reconstructed cell was twice as thick as the average definitive barrier; definitive barrier thickness was observed in some areas in a 63-day reconstructed cell; the amorphous component of elastic tissue which appears peripherally in septal connective tissue during pre-natal morphogenesis may be directly juxtaposed to the basal lamina of the alveolar epithelium; the orientation of the cell junction between a pneumocyte and its neighboring cells, as observed in sections of alveolar septa, changes as the contour of the pneumocyte changes from simple abutment to overlapping patterns.

Notizen: The fine structure of the mid-gut musculature of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria is described and compared with that of the visceral muscles of other species. The gross morphology and fine structure of the nervous system which supplies the mid-gut muscle fibres is described.

Notizen: The integument of Paranthessius anemoniae has been studied with light and electron microscopy. A cuticle with clearly defined epicuticular, exocuticular and endocuticular regions overlies a cellular hypodermal layer. The distribution of carbohydrate, lipid and protein components of the cuticle were demonstrated histochemically. Parabolic striations in oblique sections of cuticle suggest that its molecular architecture fits a “twisted sheet” theory proposed for other species.Arthrodial membranes at body and limb joints have a homogeneous structure, lacking exocuticle and endocuticle. Subcuticular glands appear to secrete substances thought to be responsible for the immunity which Paranthessius seems to have to the nematocysts of its host. Small hairs, situated in cuticular cups which occur over the dorsal body surface are considered to function as rheoreceptors.

Notizen: The larval epithelium of the sea urchin, Lytechinus pictus, consists of squamous cells and bands of columnar epithelial cells bearing cilia. During metamorphosis this tissue undergoes a series of rapid, complex changes. Through the scanning and transmission electron microscope, we describe and analyse these changes. The changes can be divided into three steps. (1) The larval arms bend away from the left side of the larva, exposing the urchin rudiment. Cells which are identical to smooth muscle cells are in a position to bring about this bending. (2) The squamous epithelial cells assume a cuboidal shape. This change in shape results in the collapse of the larval epithelium onto the presumptive aboral surface. These cells possess a subapical band of microfilaments. The cellular shape change but not the bending of the arms is reversibly inhibited by Cytochalasin B. These observations suggest a mechanism for this change. (3) The former lining of the vestibule of the urchin rudiment comes to lie over the collapsed larval tissue and forms the adult epithelium. At this point, after only one hour, the larva has assumed the external shape of an adult sea urchin.

Notizen: A consideration of head development in two species of Esox, lucius and americanus (ssp. vermiculatus) representing the two subgenera Esox and Kenozoa respectively, focused on the significance of the variations of the latero-sensory canal system, its associated bones, and other skeletal elements. In living forms only aspects of “regression” or specialization can be studied. Canals tend to be reduced to pit lines first at their termini but can be broken in their course. Pit lines range from nearly canals to surface structures, or even fail to develop. The number of neuromasts varies. Canal bones develop from two centers: neuromast related and deeper membranous centers which may have no relationship to neuromasts. Tooth-bearing and non-canal-related dermal bones have only membranous (original) centers. The number of neuromasts associated with a bone usually does not affect its development or form. In the case of the circumorbital bones, the extrascapulars, and the nasal, a one to one relationship has developed by regression - towards the development of the latero-sensory component only. The idea that reductions in bone number are commonly traceable to fusion is rejected although examples of fusion are known. Most bones that disappear are simply lost (no blastema or other evidence of their presence seen in development). The relationship between dermal bone and chondral bone is examined and there is evidence of the former giving rise to the latter. The ontogenic order of appearances shows a feeding (functional) correlation.

Notizen: The nucleus rotundus of 21 species of teleosts was studied by a modified Bodian and the Golgi method to clarify the histological organization, with special reference to the cell lamination and the glomerular formation.The common components of the nucleus in all species are as follows: a thick fiber bundle which comes from the commissura horizontalis and enters the nucleus from the dorsal surface, many small cells, large cells, glomeruli, and a surrounding fibrous capsule. The nuclei of all species studied are classified into three types mainly on the distribution of the small cells, and to a lesser degree on the location of the large cells and the glomeruli.The first type of nucleus has small cells. large cells and glomeruli throughout its extent. In the second type of nucleus, many small cells form a peripheral cell layer, while the large cells and glomeruli are found all over the nucleus.The third type of nucleus is clearly laminated. It is composed of four layers arranged concentrically around a central fiber net in the following order: a glomerular layer, a fibrous layer, a small-cell layer, and a peripheral fibrous capsule. In some species, the large cells are located in the fibrous capsule, and all glomeruli contain a star-like structure, which corresponds to the tips of the large cell dendrites.

Notizen: In Tilapia mossambica organized lymphoid tissues are present in the thymus, head-kidney and spleen, whereas they are lacking in pericardial tissue, liver, mesonephros, intestine and rectum. No lymphoid tissue was observed in the chondrocranium and cartilaginous viscerocranium of young adults.The thymus in Tilapia is encapsulated by thin strands of collagen fibers and consists of outer, middle and inner zones. While middle and inner zones are comparable to the thymic cortex and medulla of higher vertebrates, the homology of the outer zone is not clear. At the anterior end of the thymus, a loose aggregation of lymphocytes without a definite boundary has been observed.The head-kidney is characterized by the presence of lymphoid follicles, a subcapsular sinus, a hilus-like area and lymphatic vessels. The spleen is grossly divisible into white pulp and red pulp; the white pulp contains only a reticular area without definite lymphoid centers and the latter contains predominantly erythrocytes. Morphological changes in the lymphoid organs associated with immune response have been discussed.

Notizen: This paper reports new observations obtained from a study of macronuclear fine structure throughout various stages of the cell division cycle of Euplotes. Study of the ultrastructural organization of the macronuclear chromatin indicates that much of the chromatin is organized into continuous masses, portions of which appear to be attached to the nuclear envelope. The macronuclear envelope appears unchanged in the region of a replication band, and apparent attachments of the chromatin to the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope are maintained in the reticular and diffuse zones. Intranuclear helices were never observed in the diffuse zone. During macronuclear division, linear elements (fibrils or microtubules) were observed in close association with both chromatin bodies and nucleoli. The ultrastructural data suggest that the intranuclear linear fibrils have two functions: elongation of the dividing nucleus, and attachment of chromatin bodies and nucleoli to the envelope. The significance of these observations for macronuclear division and chromatin segregation is considered.

Notizen: The forelimbs of anteaters play a major role in obtainment of food, defense, and locomotion. The greatly enlarged claws on the manus are used for ripping open insect nests and insect-infested wood; the claws also serve as the animals' only defensive weapons, since they lack teeth. Specialization of the claws for these functions has also had a substantial effect on the ways in which the forelimb is used for posture and locomotion.Modifications of the forelimb in the anteater Tamandua include the following. Attachments of the medial head of triceps are rearranged so as to greatly increase capability for powerful flexion of the claws. Ability to flex the elbow and to retract the humerus is also augmented; these movements would assist digital flexion in applying traction with the claws to material being torn away during food procurement. This traction can be supplemented by a variety of powerful side-to-side and/or twisting movements of the hand, brought about primarily by axial rotation of the upper arm and forearm. The digital joints are reinforced to resist the deviational and torsional loading to which the digits would be subjected during such movements.The morphological modifications of the forelimb in Tamandua are discussed in terms of how they affect the mechanical capabilities of the limb, what functions the limb is best designed to perform, how they may relate to what little is known about the specialized behavior of this animal, and what behavioral predictions may be made based on mechanical design.

Notizen: The olfactory system of the pigeon (Columba livia) was examined. Our electrophysiological and experimental neuroanatomical (Fink-Heimer technique) data showed that axons from the olfactory bulb terminated in both sides of the forebrain. The cortex prepiriformis (olfactory cortex), the hyperstriatum ventrale and the lobus parolfactorius comprised the uncrossed terminal field. The crossed field included the paleostriatum primitivum and the caudal portion of the lobus parolfactorius, areas which were reached through the anterior commissure. In this report the relationships between areas that receive olfactory information and the possible roles that olfaction plays in the birds' behavior are discussed.

Notizen: Adult newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) were lentectomized and at intervals from 4 to 21 days after lentectomy iridocorneal complexes from these animals were examined by scanning electron microscopy to allow a full appreciation for the shape of the regenerating lens. Until around day 12 after lentectomy the posterior surface of the iris is covered by a dense mat of fibrous material which cannot be removed without damage to the iris and which obscures the events of cytoplasmic shedding. The regenerate becomes visible first around stage IV (day 12). A small but clear groove demarcates the regenerate from the rest of the iris. As regeneration progresses there is a marked reduction in debris on the iris surface and the regenerate appears as a U-shaped thickening occupying about one-third of the dorsal half of the iris. During later stages (VI-X) the regenerate protrudes into the pupil inferiorly and posteriorly towards the retina, but does not encroach laterally on the remaining pigmented iris tissue. Prior to secretion of the lens capsule the outline of individual cells is visible on the surface of the regenerate and some regenerates exhibit a prominent dimple on their posterior aspects. Following secretion of the capsule the surface of the regenerate becomes smooth. Quantitative studies show that volume and maximum section area of the regenerate are both more strongly correlated with developmental stage of regeneration than with time after lentectomy.

Notizen: The functional anatomy of the head of Flabelliderma commensalis is described and compared to other flabelligerid polychaetes. Prostomial parts include the dorsal lip, the palps, two pairs of nuchal organs, four eyes and the prostomial lobe and ridge. The eyes are inverse pigment cup types with the medial portions of the sensory cells expanded to form a clear lens-like body. Peristomial parts include the median and ventral lips, the branchial membrane and the branchiae. The derivation of the nephridiopore is unknown. The spiraled branchiae of Coppingeria and the gill books of Diplocirrus are newly described variations in branchial structure. The head is retractable in some species and the anterior setigers are modified to form a protective setal cage. Two methods are employed for feeding: one for host fecal pellets and the other for detrital materials. Chemoreception, respiration, feeding and cleaning rely on a complex pattern of ciliary currents.

Notizen: After dissecting a variety of vertebrate hearts and extensively reviewing the literature, I have drawn some conclusions concerning the phylogeny of the tetrapod heart that differ from commonly expressed viewpoints in the literature. It is probable that the absence of an interventricular septum in amphibians is a primitive feature (rather than representing a loss). The complete interventricular septum of crocodilians and birds probably evolved primarily from the major horizontal septum of the typical (noncrocodilian) reptilian heart, with a smaller part representing a new development. The interventricular septum of mammals probably also evolved primarily from the reptilian horizontal septum. There is no reason to assume that the mammalian heart and aortic arches evolved directly from a pre-reptilian stage, as is often assumed. The evidence upon which these conclusions are based is given.

Notizen: The electron microscopical structure of the type “B” cells in the rectal pad epithelium of Locusta is described. The type “B” cells occur singly in the distal region of the rectal pad epithelium. They are characteristically goblet shaped and join with contiguous type “A” or rectal pad cells, near the apical surface by means of a restricted region of septate desmosomes. Type “B” cells possess a microvillate apical membrane, with the villi arranged as a rosette overlying the apical inaginations of adjacent type “A” cells.Large numbers of microtubules and vacuoles of various sizes containing an assortment of inclusions are present in the apical region of the type “B” cells. Many of the microtubules insert distally on hemidesmosomes located in the apical plasma membrane. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are also present but neither are abundant. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.

Notizen: Nematode amphids are a pair of lateral cephalic sense organs, each comprising a group of sensory endings terminating in a cuticle-lined pit. In Syngamus trachea, a parasite of birds, each amphid is surrounded by two non-nervous supporting elements, a large gland cell basally and a smaller supporting cell anteriorly. The amphidial glands display high levels of secretory activity from five to six days postinfection. Secretory material is discharged through the lumen of the sense organ onto host tissue. The ultrastructure of amphids and amphidial glands has been investigated in newly moulted, immature and mature adults to trace the development of glandular activity and its effect on amphid-amphidial gland relationships. In newly moulted adults, the glands have very low levels of secretory activity and appear to act only as supporting cells to the amphids. As secretory activity increases, the gland cell membrane surrounding the sensory endings is elaborated into a reticulum which probably forms the secretory surface. In mature adults the amphid pit is swollen and filled with secretion; the sensory endings are relegated to the periphery of the lumen. It is suggested that amphidial glands develop from typical supporting cells, but acquire a new role possibly associated with parasite attachment.

Notizen: As a part of a continuing study of unusual molluscan tissues, the “chondroid” tissue (Hyman, '67) associated with the anterior and posterior aortae of the slug (Limax maximus) was examined by light and electron microscopy. Unlike the odontophoral tissue of this species (Curtis and Cowden, '77), the “chondroid” tissue comprising the adventitial layer of the aorta consists of large, glycogen-filled cells with characteristic arrays of pores in their plasma membranes resembling those of the “globular” cells (Rogers, '69; Fernandez, '71); “fibrocytes” (Nicaise et al., '66; Baleydier et al., '69; Nicaise, '73); “Blasenzellen” or “Leydig” cells (Wondrak, '69; Stang-Voss, '70; Buchholz et al., '71; Stang-Voss and Staubesand, '71; Wolburg-Buchholz, '72); or “pore” cells (Sminia, '72; Beltz, '77) of other mollusks. The anterior and posterior aortae are very similar in organization, except that the anterior aorta is larger in diameter; its wall is thinner; and it lacks calcification. Both the anterior and posterior aortae possess a loosely organized (incomplete) endothelial layer surrounded by two layers of innervated smooth muscle. The smooth muscle cells possess fibrous surface specializations resembling hemidesmosomes as well as large numbers of tubular or rounded vesicles in association with their plasma membranes. Blood cells (amoebocytes) containing large glycogen deposits and distinctive membrane-enclosed cytoplasmic inclusions can be found occasionally in the walls of the vessels.

Notizen: The most complete account of the hind leg muscles of the kiwi was published a century ago by Sir Richard Owen, in his seventy-fifth year. This extensively-cited work has several omissions and errors, and while certain of these were corrected by subsequent authors, sufficient uncertainty remains to warrant a reinvestigation. In the present study a detailed description of the hind leg musculature is given, based upon dissections of two frozen specimens. An indication of the possible function of each muscle is given by assessing its size, action, and fiber-arrangement, together with tentative data on the relative abundance of twitch and tonus fibers.The correlation between surface features of bones and muscle attachments is investigated with a view to interpreting palaeontological material. Although the limb and pelvic bones are marked by numerous features which suggest muscle attachments, relatively few can be positively identified with specific muscles. Only 23% of the muscle origins and insertions can be identified, and, with three possible exceptions, no indication of relative size is given by the scars. The possibility of being able to reconstruct the musculature of the kiwi from its skeletal anatomy, much less that of its extinct relatives, is remote.

Notizen: A biomechanical model of the jaw mechanism in some reptiles is presented. Symmetrical muscle activity that produces equal forces on both sides of the head is assumed. The model predicts the position of the most posterior bite point and offers a functional explanation for this prediction. Turtles are used to illustrate the idea.

Notizen: This study consists of a detailed cytoarchitectonic and Golgi analysis of a major tectofugal thalamic nucleus in the red-eared turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans. Neurons in nucleus rotundus have a unimodal soma size distribution and a common dendritic branching pattern. They have long dendrites which undergo sparse, dichotomous branchings and contribute to dendritic fields that cover a third to half the dimensions of the nucleus. Spicules, 1-2 μ long, and complex appendages, 5-20 μ long, are found with low density on many dendrites in Golgi-Kopsch material. A few cells have beaded dendritic processes. Three cytoarchitectural regions can be differentiated in nucleus rotundus: a shell, a cell-poor region and a core. The shell is a monolayer of somata forming the peripheral boundary of most of the nucleus. The cell-poor region forms a thin zone concentric with and internal to the shell. Shell cells send some of their dendrites concentrically within this zone and others radially into the core region. Core neurons are dispersed within the neuropil of the nucleus and usually have spherical dendritic fields. However, peripheral core neurons have asymmetrical fields, so their dendrites do not extend beyond the shell. Caudomedial and central subregions of the core can be defined on the basis of neuronal density and cytology. Somata in the caudomedial area of the core are densely packed and have slightly darker staining cytoplasm than those in the central subregion. However, their dendrites are similar to those of the central core neurons. There is extensive dendritic overlap between the two subregions.

Notizen: Glycogen metabolism has been studied during the development of the early chick embryo, at the cytochemical and ultrastructural levels. Two waves of glycogen synthesis and breakdown have been found. In the first, free clusters of glycogen particles are synthesized at late oogenesis. These clusters are found later in invaginations of the membrane of vesicles containing a floc-cular material (FLOV). The glycogen clusters are degraded there during ovulation and the first hours in the oviduct. The second wave of glycogen synthesis begins before cleavage, reaching a maximum at mid-uterine age. This second wave occurs in another type of vesicle (GLYV), which eventually disintegrates releasing free clusters of glycogen granules. This glycogen is degraded in membranous structures containing a floccular material, as in the first wave of degradation. The degradation ends at the late uterine stages, and at the same time numerous ribosomes are formed. This period corresponds to area pellucida formation, which probably depends on the energy liberated during the second wave of glycogen degradation.

Notizen: The hindgut of the semi-terrestrial tardigrade, Milnesium tardigradum was examined with light and electron microscopy. The hindgut consists of a cloaca and an anterior hindgut. It is delineated anteriorly by the pylorus into which four Malpighian tubules empty and posteriorly, by a broad cloacal slit. A single oviduct enters the hindgut at the junction between the cloaca and the anterior hindgut. Two pairs of muscles insert on the cloaca and anterior hindgut respectively. Electron microscopic observations demonstrate that the anterior hindgut is a specialized transporting epithelium. The luminal surface is covered by a thin layer of cuticle which penetrates into channel-like invaginations. Numerous mitochondria are concentrated apically. The basal and lateral surfaces are also folded. The cells are joined apically by deep tight junctions and a simple basal lamina lines the entire hindgut. The cloaca which receives the contents of the gut and Malpighian tubules as well as gametes of the reproductive tract is a transitional organ that exhibits several characteristics of the hypodermis and anterior hindgut. The cuticle of the cloaca changes sequentially from the complex structure of the integument to a simple layer of the anterior hindgut. The function of the hindgut is discussed with emphasis on the possible response of the anterior hindgut to a hypoosmotic habitat, evaporative water loss during the induction of anhydrobiosis and low oxygen tension.

Notizen: Blood follicles of the earthworm Amynthas are hemoglobin-containing, sac-like dilatations of blood vessels which connect to the general circulation. Grape-like clusters of follicles are found posterior to the pharynx, among tufts of micronephridia, and single follicles are located among cells of the pharyngeal gland. In Lumbricus, follicles take the form of simple swellings and irregular-shaped diverticula of nephridial capillaries.The fundamental structure of the wall of follicles and of vessels in both genera is the same and consists of two layers: an extracellular vascular lamina and an outer (coelomic) covering of smooth muscle-like myoperithelial cells. Hemocytes may be free and circulating or they may facultatively attach to the vascular lamina as littoral cells, constituting an incomplete endothelium-like surface. Hemocytes that appear to be in the process of attaching or detaching are rounded, while adherent cells are flattened and elongate. Free and littoral hemocytes actively endocytose packets of circulating extracellular hemoglobin.Hemocytes within follicles possess radiating cell processes which also endocytose hemoglobin. Although these cells were presumed to secrete hemoglobin, staining with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine confirms the presence of hemoglobin only within pinosomes and not within protein-synthesizing or packaging organelles. The presence of hemosiderin-like bodies suggests that follicular hemocytes catabolize hemoglobin.Blood follicles apparently provide a means of significantly increasing cell-surface area for hemoglobin processing, without substantially increasing the volume and pumping load of the circulatory system.

Notizen: The mouthparts of female Corethrella brakeleyi and C. wirthi were studied using light and electron microscopy. Mandibles, hypopharynx and labium are highly sclerotized and are modified for obtaining blood meals. All structures were larger in C. brakeleyi than in C. wirthi except mandibular and hypopharyngeal teeth; these were smaller and more numerous in C. brakeleyi. The labium of both species terminates in peg-like structures which are similar to those reported from several genera of mosquitoes. Sensillae on the second segment of the maxillary palps appear to be identical to those described in both biting and nonbiting male and female blackflies.

Notizen: The gross morphology, histology and ultrastructure of the canary's incubation patch and the ventral apterium from which it arises are described. The apterium is vascularized by pectoral, external mammary, incubation, and prepubic arteries. It is innervated by cutaneous branches of spinal nerves. It has a surface area of 6 cm2.Its epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium with basal, intermediate, transitional and cornified layers. Cells in the stratum germinativum contain a normal array of organelles, but are characterized by tonofilaments, desmosomes and interdigitating surfaces. Cellular organelles disappear in the stratum transitivum and are replaced by large vacuoles and keratohyalin bands. Nonmyelinated nerve fibers are abundant in the stratum germinativum.The dermis consists of (1) an avascular layer of dense collagen subjacent to the epidermis and containing many nonmyelinated nerves, and (2) an underlying layer of areolar connective tissue containing blood vessels, lamellar corpuscles and nerves. A layer of coarse elastic fibers, reinforced by collagen and smooth muscle, separates the dermis from subcutaneous tissue.In contrast to the ventral apterium, the incubation patch is featherless and visibly hypervascular and edematous. Its epidermis is both hypertrophic and hyperplastic. Large spaces separate cells in the stratum germinativum. The visible hypervascularity is due to hyperemia and increased number and size of blood vessels in the dermis. Visible edema is due to the accumulation of fluid interstitially. Although no histological differences exist among various regions of the ventral apterium, such differences are present in the incubation patch.

Notizen: Prepartum embryos obtained from old museum specimens of the ovo-viviparous fish, Oligopus longhursti, possess external intestinal appendages. They are structurally identical to the trophotaeniae described by Turner ('37) and Mendoza ('37) in goodeid fishes. This is the first report of trophotaeniae in the viviparous ophidioids. Two developmental Stages, A and B, were observed. A is a tailbud stage, 2.0-2.25 mm in length, and B is a finfold embryo, 3.0-3.25 mm in length (Wourms and Bayne, '73). Trophotaeniae occur in the form of a single median anterior process and a pair of median posterior processes. They originate from a conspicuous peduncle formed around the anus. The processes of stage A are 1.5-2.0 mm long, 0.05 mm in diameter at their base and 0.04 mm at their tip. The stage B processes are 2.75-3.00 mm long, 0.075 mm in diameter at their base and 0.050 mm at their tip. Serial sections show that the surface epithelium of the trophotaeniae is continuous with and identical to the surface epithelium of the trophotaeniae is continuous with and identical to the surface epithelium of the embryonic gut. Examination both by transmission and scanning electron microscopy confirms that the apical surface of the trophotaenial epithelium and intestinal epithelium are covered with microvilli. Trophotaeniae are considered to function in the uptake of nutrients since they are structurally identical to intestinal epithelial cells. We suggest that maternal nutrients absorbed by trophotaeniae rather than yolk reserves are the principal source of embryonic metabolites. Trophotaeniae may afford a selective advantage since their existence in O. longhursti maximizes the number of large size embryos which a female can produce at one time. Occurrence of trophotaeniae in ophidioid, goodeid and zoarcid embryos is a remarkable example of convergent evolution.

Notizen: The role of dying cells in the optic stalk in relation to retinal fiber migration was investigated in the chick embryo. Cell death was analysed at various stages of development by counting pycnotic nuclei and also by the Gomori acid phosphatase reaction, while nerve fibers were visualised by the Bodian method. A wave of cell death, beginning in the neural retina at stage 18 and advancing with time through the stalk towards the diencephalon, occurred simultaneously or slightly prior to differentiation and migration of ganglion cell axons. Cell death stopped and gliogenesis occurred in the stalk after penetration by retinal fibers. Cell death occurred in the stalk even when fiber penetration was prevented by optic cup ablation. In this case, necrosis ensued until almost complete degeneration of the stalk, usually within three days after the operation, and gliogenesis did not occur. As the stalk degenerated, its cells became heavily pigmented. These observations suggest that the onset of cell death in the optic stalk is determined prior to and independently of retinal fiber penetration. On the other hand, cessation of cell death and subsequent gliogenesis occur only in the presence of ingrowing optic fibers.

Notizen: The fine structure of oocytes of Urechis caupo is described for seven arbitrary stages ranging from the smallest oocytes (7μm in diameter) in the coelom to the mature oocytes (115 μm in diameter) in the storage organs. Although most types of cytoplasmic organelles accumulate more or less continuously, yolk granules do not appear until oocytes reach a diameter of 35 μm, and there is stage-specific synthesis of cortical granules in 60-80 μm oocytes. In the nucleus a single nucleolus first appears when an oocyte is 15 μm in diameter. Then a nucleolus satellite, which is about 3 μm in diameter, forms in 30 μm oocytes; this nucleolus satellite later (60-70 μm oocytes) becomes surrounded by 750 nm dense spherical bodies. Large (2-4 μm in diameter) juxtachromosomal spherules occur only in the nuclei of mature oocytes. Microvilli become progressively more numerous and longer until the oocytes reaches a diameter of 90 μm their tips project 1 μm beyond the fibrous surface coat, which is 2 μm thick when well developed. Near the end of oocyte growth, the microvilli retract into the surface coat leaving their pinched-off tips adhering to the outside of the coat.

Notizen: When cervical segments 14 to 15 of the chicken spinal cord are cut transversely and studied by routine histological and histochemical methods, an onion-shaped region, filled with thread-like fibers, if seen to surround the ependymal cells of the central canal and to be bounded laterally by the neural elements of the spinal gray matter. This area is negative for succinic dehydrogenase, beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and cholinesterase activity, but very strongly periodic acid-Schiff positive. Diastase controls show the positive material to be glycogen. Parasagittal sections through this cervical region and into the upper thoracic cord, show the glycogen-rich region to extend longitudinally throughout the region. Because of its location and histochemical characterization, which, He similar to that of the ventral portion of the glycogen body, the term brachial glycogen budy is proposed for this structure.

Notizen: Anterior dorsal ventricular ridge (ADVR) is a major subcortical; telencephalic nucleus in snakes, Its structure was studied in Nissl, Golgi, and electron microscopic lrerarations in several species of snakes. Neurons in ADVR form a homogeneous population. They have large nuclei, scattered cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum in their cytoplasm, and bear dendrites from all portions of their somata. The dendrites have a moderate covering of pedunculated spines. Clusters of two to five cells with touching somata can be seen in Nissl, Golgi, and electron microscopic preparations. The area of apposition may contain a series of specialized junctions which resemble gap junctions. Three populations of axons can be identified in rapid Golgi preparations of snake ADVR. Type 1 axons course from the lateral forebrain bundle and bear small varicosities about 1 μ long. Type 2 axons arise from ADVR neurons and bear large varicosities about 5 μ. long. The origin of the very thin type 3 axons is not known; they bear small varicosities about 1 μ. long. The majority of axon terminals in ADVR are small (1 μ. to 2 μ long), contain round synaptic vesicles, and form asymmetric active zones. This type of axon terminates on dendritic spines and shafts and on somata. A small percentage of terminals are large, 5 μ in length, contain round synaptic vesicles, and form asymmetric active zones. This type of axon terminates only on dendritic spines. A small percentage of terminals are small, contain pleomorphic synaptic vesicles, and form symmetric active zones. This type of axon terminates on dendritic shafts and on somata.

Notizen: Tooth development and replacement in fetal and adult viviparous caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona) are described and analyzed according to current theories of tooth succession. The fetal dentition differs from that of the adult in morphology, position, and function. Teeth are used by fetuses to scrape the oviducal epithelium, thus stimulating the secretion of a nutrient substance. Fetal dentitions vary in morphology and position in different species. The ontogeny of teeth of several species is described and the patterns of addition of loci and of replacement are analyzed, Loci are added both posteriorly along the jaw and between existing loci as the jaw grows prior to ossification; subsequently addition is restricted to the posterior part of the jaw. Tooth replacement is alternate. The several rows and patches of teeth are the result of retention of replacement series on the dentigerous elements. Tooth development and replacement in a series of juveniles and adults of different sizes in a single species are also considered. Post-fetal patterns of development and replacement are similar to those seen in larvae and adults of oviparous species. Variation in numbers of teeth and proportions of teeth at particular stages occurs ontogenetically and among individuals of the same size, though proportions occur in a similar pattern throughout the series. The general pattern of tooth replacement in fetuses and adults can be explained by either Edmund's Zahnreihen theory or by Osborn's Tooth Family theory, but replacement in fetal tooth patches and the fetal-adult dentitional transition are explained by neither.

Notizen: The gross and microscopic anatomy of the venom producing parotoid glands of Bufo alvarius has been studied by light and electron microscopy. Histochemical reactions for the presence of venom constituents and of components in biochemical pathways in the synthesis and release of venom were performed. The gland is composed of numerous lobules. Each lobule is an individual unit with a lumen surrounded by a double cell layer. Microvilli of the outer layer interdigitate with microvilli of the inner layer. Cells of the outer layer resemble smooth muscle cells, are rich in adenosine triphosphatase and glucose6-phosphatase, and contain numerous pinocytotic vesicles, glycogen granules and various organelles, These organelles include “crystalloids” of what seem to be highly organized agranular reticulum. These outer layer cells probably function in some aspects of venom synthesis, active cellular transport and contraction in the discharge of the secretory product. The inner cell layer demonstrates a positive chromaffin reaction, contains steroid material, various organelles, some pinocytotic vesicles and glycogen granules, and appears devoid of a plasmalemma on its inner surface. This layer is probably involved in venom formation and release via an apocrine type of secretion.Bufo alvarius parotoid gland shows significant morphological and histochemical differences from that of B. marinus and more nearly resembles a typical steroid producing organ.

Notizen: Small local wounds on the surface of the mouse lung, produced by cauterization, healed by a typical reparative process involving c1 migration and increased cell division in alveolar and bronchial tissues. The local cell division response closely resembled the compensatory cell division response in the same organ which follows unilateral pnemnonectomy or unilateral collapse of the lung: initially there was an increase in the rate of DNA synthesis followed by an increased rate of entry into mitosis, both of these functions returning to normal levels within a few days. It is therefore suggested that both types of response are governed by a single regulatory mechanism. The results do not support the view that the rate of cell division is regulated by systemically-circulating mitotic control factors and it is proposed that changes in the cell division rate, both in the reparative and in the compensatory types of response, are determined by local alterations ill the concentration of regulatory metabolites.The magnitude of the cell division response was much greater in bronchial than in alveolar tissue. a result which is consistent with the view that new alveolar tissue may be produced by the proliferation and differentiation of bronchial cells.