The structure of the organ of Bellonci of the syncarid crustacean, Anaspides tasmaniae (Thomson).

Abstract

The organ of Bellonci of Anaspides tasmaniae (Thomson) (Crustacea, Syncarida) is described light and electron microscopically, and a few histochemical tests are reported. Located ventrally in the eyestalk below the medulla interna, the organ is composed of a number of cavities. These are similar in structure in their contents and associated cellular components, which include two types of glia cells delimiting each cavity and the terminal parts of a few dendrites. Each dendrite usually bears two cilia, which project into the cavity where they split up into numerous branches. The organ is supplied by three nerve tracts: two from the medulla terminalis and one from the medulla interna. The sensory pore, which is innervated from the medulla interna, is not closely associated with the organ of Bellonci in Anaspides. No marked secretory activity is detectable by histochemical or ultrastructural observations. It is thought that the organ has a sensory function.