Abstract
The heart ultrastructure of 4 instars of Strigamia maritima (Myriapoda, Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha) (from 2 weeks to 5 years after hatching) is described and compared morphometrically. The single-layered, circular myofibers extend from middorsal to midventral regions, and are interconnected by short, interdigitating intercalated discs. The cardiac sarcomeres show distinct Z-, I-, and A- bands, but myofilaments do not form a well-ordered array. T-tubules originate from any part of the sarcolemma, forming a network of transverse and longitudinal tubules. The transverse tubules ramify in the heart of the foetus instar. The sarcoplasmic reticulum forms a loose sheath at Z-level, and participates in the formation of dyadic and triadic interior couplings. SR-tubules form peripheral couplings on both sides of the myocardium. Volume and length of the myofibers increase constantly during embryonic instars and the first 4 of 5 adult instars, accompanied with an increase in the volume fraction of contractile elements and mitochondria. New sarcomeres are formed abluminally and distally in the fibers, and sarcomeres increase in diameter. Myofibrils become better aligned, longitudinally in the fiber. The growth rate is reduced in the 4th adult instar, and the rough sarcoplasmic reticulum disappears in the 5th instar.
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