Summary
The fine structure of the synapse between the second-order giant fibre and the third order-giant fibre of the squid Doryteuphis bleekeri was studied by means of electron microscope. In the synaptic region, the two giant fibres are arranged side by side. Many small processes from the third-order giant fibre penetrate the common sheath which separats the adjacent giant axons making synaptic contact with the second order giant axon.
The contact surface consists of opposing two plasma membranes of adjacent axons separated by a narrow space of 20–30 mμ in width. The synaptic membranes are more electron dense and thicker than the other part of the axon membrane. The synaptic vesicles are concentrated exclusively in the presynaptic axon.
The fine structural differences between giant synapse in the stellate ganglion of the squid and the giant-to-motor giant synapse of the crayfish were discussed.
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This work was supported by Grant Number B-3348 from the National Institutes of Health, United States Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
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Hama, K. Some observations on the fine structure of the giant synapse in the stellate ganglk of the squid, Doryteuphis bleekeri . Zeitschrift für Zellforschung 56, 437–444 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335624
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335624