Anatomy and histology of the circulatory system of the desert locust,Schistocerca gregaria(Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Abstract

Summary The dorsal diaphragm extends from first to the tenth abdominal segment while the ventral diaphragm from prothorax to the eighth abdominal segment. Eight pairs of alary muscles are located in second to ninth abdominal segment. The dorsal vessel, extending from the frons to the tenth abdominal segment, is divisible into heart and aorta. There are eight heart chambers located in the second to ninth abdominal segment. The aorta in the mesothorax, metathorax and first abdominal segment bears ampullae; it extends into the head and ends in a funnel appressed to the frons. A membranous flap-like, triradiate structure is attached to the dorsal wall of the aorta near the oesophageal ganglia. The dorsal vessel bears seven pairs of ventro-lateral excurrent ostia and twelve pairs of dorso-lateral incurrent ostia, the latter bearing internal valves. In the neck region the dorsal vessel is supported by a median dorsal septum. The caudal end of the last heart chamber is attached to the tenth abdominal tergite by ...