Morphology of the Midgut-Hindgut Juncture in the Ghost ShrimpLepidophthalmus louisianensis(Schmitt) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Thalassinidea)

摘要: Unique morphological structures occur near the midgut–hindgut juncture in decapod crustaceans, and neither their fine structure nor function are well understood. In ghost shrimp Lepidophthalmus louisianensis. associated with this include an elongate posterior midgut caecum (PMGC) extending into abdominal hemocoel, a massive swelling of acinar glands encasing juncture, dorso-lateral valve complex involving cuticularized lumenal surfaces anterior hindgut. Vivisection, histological studies (LM, TEM) paraffin-carving (SEM) have been applied to reconstruct morphology these components characterize constituent tissues. The lumen PMGC is lined by very columnar cells underlain thin layer circular muscle. hemocoelic surface covered richly endowed unique lamellar bodies. composed multiple rosettes secretory cells, from which products appear empty extreme hindgut consists components, differing strength ridging microdentition cuticular lining. features may relate behavioral, feeding metabolic adaptations obligate fossorial crustacean.