Topography and electrical activity of peripheral neurons in the abdomen of the tsetse fly (Glossina) in relation to abdominal distension

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The detailed morphology of the abdominal nervous system of adult male and female Glossina morsitans is described. Staining with methylene blue revealed about twenty peripheral neurons distributed in a relatively constant pattern in each abdominal segment. Suction electrode recordings were made of the electrical activity generated by these neurons. Three pairs per segment present on the ventral body wall responded to mechanical stimulation, and are assumed to play a primary role in monitoring abdominal distension. Also present in each segment is a pair of dorsal longitudinal stretch receptors which require a greater intensity of mechanical stimulation to respond than do the ventral body wall neurons. A proposal as to how the various mechanically responsive receptors are involved in monitoring abdominal distension is presented.