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Ultrastructure of the anal organ of Musca domestica larvae (Insecta, Diptera) in relation to ion transport

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Summary

The anal organ of full-grown, third-instar larvae of Musca domestica is situated ventrally in the last segment and consists of two symmetrical epithelial plates with saddle-shaped features, encircling the anus. Structural studies using light and electron microscopy have revealed that in the area of the anal organ the epidermal cells and the overlying cuticle differ markedly from those of the adjacent normal larval integument. The fine structure of the cells in the region of the anal chloride epithelium indicates that these cells have to be regarded as epidermal cells specialized for transport. Considering the electron microscopy results in connection with the histochemical location of chloride exclusively in this epithelial area, it has been suggested that the larval anal organ of Musca domestica is involved in the active transport of ions from the medium to the haemocoel, and that the epithelium is ion-absorbing. The results of the study are compared with what is known about comparable structures and these comparisons are discussed in detail.

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  1. Institut für Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Stephanstrasse 24, D-6300, Giessen, Federal Republic of Germany

    Petra Andrea Schwantes

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Schwantes, P.A. Ultrastructure of the anal organ of Musca domestica larvae (Insecta, Diptera) in relation to ion transport. Zoomorphology 109, 55–69 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00312183

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