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The ultrastructure of the organ of Bellonci of Carcinus maenas (Crustacea: Decapoda)

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Summary

The organ of Bellonci of Carcinus maenas is made up of onion bodies and secretory cells. The onion body consists of a distal segment, of membranous whorls and granules, and a proximal nuclear cell body. They are joined by a modified double ciliary junction. Both a sensory and secrtory function is suggested. The secretory cells fall into two groups based on size, shape and organelles. Their presence suggests a secretory function to the organ of Bellonci.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Morbid Anatomy, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton

    G. Smith

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  1. G. Smith
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I thank Professor E. Naylor for his constant advice and Professor E. W. Knight-Jones, Department of Zoology, University College, Swansea, for the provision of laboratory facilities. I am grateful to the Science Research Council for the financial support. Finally, I thank the Electron Microscope Unit, Southampton General Hospital, where the work was completed.

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Smith, G. The ultrastructure of the organ of Bellonci of Carcinus maenas (Crustacea: Decapoda). Cell Tissue Res. 155, 127–134 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00220289

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00220289

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