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The ultrastructure of the non-neurosecretory components in the brain of the midge, Chironomus riparius Mg. (Diptera: Nematocera)

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Summary

The ultrastructure of the neural sheath, glial cells and neurons in the brain of the neoimaginal male Chironomus riparius is described. The neural sheath comprises a neural lamella and underlying perineurium. The neural lamella consists of an amorphous matrix in which fine fibrils occur. The perineurium is composed of two cell types forming a continuous layer around the brain. The subjacent cortical layer, composed of the cell bodies of neurons and glial cells, varies considerably in thickness and surrounds the centrally located neuropiles. Three types of glial cells are distinguished on the basis of their positions and appearances. Five types of neurons are described which differ in size and relative frequency of organelles. Four types of axons, including those of neurosecretory cells, are distinguished by their size and content.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Bedford College, University of London, London, England

    M. D. C. Scales & P. F. Credland

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  1. M. D. C. Scales
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  2. P. F. Credland
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We wish to express our thanks to Messrs. R. Jones and A. Phillips for their expert technical assistance and to Mrs. L. Bentley for typing the manuscript. A portion of this work was completed while M.D.C. Scales was in receipt of a Science Research Council Studentship for which he is grateful

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Scales, M.D.C., Credland, P.F. The ultrastructure of the non-neurosecretory components in the brain of the midge, Chironomus riparius Mg. (Diptera: Nematocera). Cell Tissue Res. 187, 355–366 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224376

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224376

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