ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Branchiostoma
;
Osmoregulation
;
Cyrtocytes
;
Podocytes
;
Electron microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The excretory organs of Amphioxus occur as segmentally arranged structures throughout the pharyngeal region and may be divided into three components: the solenocytes, the renal tubule, and the renal glomerulus. The solenocytes possess foot processes that rest upon the coelomic surface of the ligamentum denticulatum. The tubular apparatus of the solenocytes consists of ten triangular rods surrounding a central flagellum. The distal end of the tubular apparatus enters branches of the renal tubule. The renal tubule eventually opens into the atrial cavity of Amphioxus. The renal glomerulus is a sinus within the connective tissue of the ligamentum dentieculatum where it connects elements of the branchial circulation with the dorsal aorta. The renal glomerulus, like other blood vessels of Amphioxus, lacks an endothelial lining. If Amphioxus is adapted to artificial sea water at different concentrations there is no change in kidney morphology suggesting that Amphioxus is either is osmotic with its environment or is osmoregulating with other organs.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00224314
Permalink
