Studies of the Histology of the Mid-gut of the Chelonethi or Pseudoscorpiones

Abstract

ABSTRACT The histology of the mid-gut of Dactylochelifer latreilli (Leach) is described. The mid-gut is divided into two regions : an anterior diverticular region consisting of digestive cells, excretory cells, and small basal cells of unknown function, and a narrow, posterior post-diverticular region possessing a syncytial epithelium. The whole mid-gut is invested in a layer of peritoneal cells. The changes in the staining reaction of protein globules undergoing intracellular digestion are followed. The development of excretory cells is described. The function of the post-diverticular mid-gut in the excretory process is outlined. Storage of fatty material and glycogen occurs in the digestive cells and in the peritoneal epithelium. The structure and functions of the false scorpion mid-gut are compared with those of other Arachnids.