Integumentary Glands Research Articles

Feeding mechanisms and the functional morphology of podia and spines in some New Zealand ophiuroids (Echinodermata)

The feeding methods of seven intertidal ophiuroids are described. In each method the podia are used as an integral part of the feeding mechanism, and varying use of the spines has been observed. Both podia and spines contain mucous glands and certain similarities are apparent in their secretions. Where mucus is used directly for food capture, and ingested with the food, it is acid, rich in wboxyl groups and at least partly sulphated. Further, the mucus in spinal glands is fibrillar while that of the podia is granular. Some integumentary glands are basiphilic and highly sulphated while other are acidophilic. The possible functions of these glands are discussed.

A Taxononiic Revision of the Termitophilous Subtribe Perinthina (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). I. the Genera Paraperinthus, Perinthodes, and Physoperinthus with a Discussion of Their Integumentary Glands and Their Relationships1

The genera Paraperinthus and Perinthodes are redescribed and illustrated. In addition, one new genus is described, PHYSOPERINTHUS. Thirteen new species are described: Paraperinthus congoensis (Congo Republic), P. dispar (South-West Africa), P. mohalei (South-West Africa), P. natalensis (Republic of South Africa), P. sbeasbyi (Republic of South Africa and South-West Africa), Perinthodes baucaloxcnus (South-West Africa, Republic of South Africa), P. coatoni (South-West Africa), P. emersoni (Congo Republic), P. pretoriusi (South-West Africa), P. rapulum (South-West Africa), P. trinrvoides (Republic of South Africa), Physoperinthus coatoni (South-West Africa), P. josensi (Ivory Coast). Many new geographic and host data of all species are presented. The integumentary glands of Parapcrinthus sheasbyi and Physoperinthus josensi are described. Their defense and post pleural glands are very reduced and both genera possess a median glandular structure in abdominal segment VII, which is now known in all 4 genera of African Perinthina. Because this structure is also present in the Corotocini and not in other Aleocharinae, a close relationship between the Perinthina and the Corotocini is indicated. Numerous pores belonging to either campaniform sensillae or to special glandular cells were found in the integument of Physoperinthus. The relationships between the genera and the species are discussed. All the termitophiles studied are hostspecific at the species level.

Fine structural organization of the spermatheca in the cockroach, Periplaneta americana

The detailed structure of the cockroach spermatheca is described and discussed firstly as an example of an insect integumentary gland, and secondly, from the standpoint of its role in reproduction. The gland comprises a cortical rank of separate secretory units, each associated with an epithelial duct cell responsible for receiving secreted materials and transporting them through the cuticular intima lining the reproductive tract. Secretory activity is cyclic, and the probable mode of elaboration and release of secretory material is described, together with the fine structure of the markedly differing intimas associated respectively with the glandular and conducting units.

Trans-4-oxohex-2-enal in the Odoriferous Secretion of Sigarafalleni (Fieb.) (Hemiptera-Heteroptera)

INTEGUMENTARY glands which produce odoriferous substances are of widespread occurrence in the Heteroptera. The glands are not confined to terrestrial forms but are found also in many aquatic species, Paired dorso-abdominal glands are present in the nymphs, but at the time of the adult moult these are replaced by glands in the metathorax which open to the exterior on the ventral surface.

The Integumentary Mucous Secretions of the Ophiuroid Ophiocomina Nigra

The general histology of the integument of the ophiuroid Ophiocomina nigra is outlined. Two types of integumentary mucous glands are described in detail for the first time. The first is a multicellular gland, the basal end of which is located deep within the calcareous layer of the integument. The source of the secretion is a variable number of nuclei embedded in a common cytoplasmic mass filled with fine basiphil granules. These cells contributed their secretion to a duct which pursues a tortuous course through the integument. The ducts frequently branch and anastomose so that any one exit pore may extrude mucin derived from a number of separate, polynuclear sources. The structure so formed is, thus, a massive, multicellular gland. Histochemical studies demonstrate that the mucin is a highly sulphated acid mucopolysaccharide. The second type of mucus-secreting unit is a unicellular gland usually located superficially in the calcareous layer or sometimes restricted to the epidermis and distributed universally over the body. The secretion product of these cells is shown histochemically to be a simple acid mucopolysaccharide. The mucin secreted by the tube-foot glands is demonstrated also to be a highly sulphated acid mucopolysaccharide.The function of these secretions has been investigated to some extent. The massive glands secrete only under conditions of alarm and it is suggested that this mucus serves as a defence against predation. The unicellular glands secrete in a periodic fashion correlated with the act of feeding. This secretion is probably utilized in a suspension-feeding mechanism.

THE FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OF ENTEROPNEUSTA

1. A picture of the functional plan of organization of the nervous system of balanoglossids, based on experiments with Saccoglossus pusillus and Balanoglossus occidentalis, is offered. The state of the receptor and effector mechanisms is also reviewed and correlated with the habit of life.2. These animals are shown to be highly dependent on a general superficial ciliature whose complex behavior suggests the possibility of nervous control.3. A great abundance of several types of integumentary glands capable of voluminous secretion, represents a second important effector system. Lacking any physiological evidence of the nature of the products and the variations in activity of the glands, nothing can yet be said regarding the relation of this apparatus to the nervous system.4. Identification of the organs of light production has not been made. Crozier's argument for their independence from the nervous system is controverted but no positive statement of their nature and control can yet be made.5. The muscular...

The structure and development of the integumental glands of the crocodilia

The structure and development of the integumental glands of the crocodilia