The spermatheca ofMelanoplus sanguinipes(Fabr.). II. Ultrastructure

Abstract

The spermathecal wall of Melanoplus sanguinipes includes a thick intima, secretory units, a basal lamella, and small bundles of muscle. Each secretory unit consists of a secretory cell and an epithelial cell, the latter surrounding the former on all sides except that adjacent to the basal lamella. The secretory cell shows the ultrastructure typical of cells engaged in the synthesis of protein for export. Distally the cell is invaginated to form a central cavity lined with microvilli. Secretion is released into the central cavity and travels via the end apparatus and efferent ductule to the spermathecal lumen. Basally, the secretory cell's plasma membrane is much folded and large numbers of mitochondria are concentrated in this region, along with small glycogen deposits, features perhaps related to the uptake of raw materials for manufacture of secretion. The epithelial cell flanges contain bundles of longitudinally arranged microtubules and large deposits of glycogen. Next to the basal lamella, the plasma...