Structure of warm fiber terminals in the pit membrane of vipers

摘要: The free nerve endings in the infrared receptor organ (the so-called “pit organ”) of an oriental pit viper, Trimeresurus f. flavoviridis, were studied with electron microscope. this form a conglomeration nonmyelinated branchlets surrounding few Schwann cells. We regard as receptive unit, and have termed it “terminal mass”. Terminal masses are about 40 μ diameter 10 thick; they found single layer throughout innervated membrane suspended cavity. comprising contain high concentration mitochondria. Thin processes cells partially cover surface branchlets, leaving certain areas completely bare. structural relation between seems functional, i.e., to provide necessary nutrition for without obstructing reception radiated energy over all mass. There no synapses masses, indicating absence interaction at level system.