The structure of the pyloric caeca of Asterias rubens and its changes during the annual reproductive cycle
Van Der Plas, A.J.; Jangoux, M.; Bricourt, E. (1980). The structure of the pyloric caeca of Asterias rubens and its changes during the annual reproductive cycle, in: Jangoux, M. (Ed.) Proceedings of the European Colloquim on Echinoderms, Brussels, 3-8 September 1979 = Actes du Colloque Européen sur les Echinoderms, Bruxelles, 3-8 septembre 1979. pp. 251-254, plates In: Jangoux, M. (Ed.) (1980). Proceedings of the European Colloquim on Echinoderms, Brussels, 3-8 September 1979 = Actes du Colloque Européen sur les Echinoderms, Bruxelles, 3-8 septembre 1979. A.A. Balkema: Rotterdam. ISBN 90-6191-077-3. XVIII, 428 pp., more |
| Keyword | Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS]
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| Authors | | Top | - Van Der Plas, A.J.
- Jangoux, M., more
- Bricourt, E.
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| Abstract | The pyloric caeca of Asterias rubens wereinvestigated histologically and ultrastructurally during the annual reproductivecycle, with a particular attention to the digestive epithelium.The wall of the pyloric caeca consistsof three layers: a coelomic epithelium, a layer of connective, muscular and nervous fibers, and a digestive epithelium. The digestive epithelium is composed of storage cells, zymogen cells, special-current-producers and mucocytes. The variation in the amount of zymogen cells and the relation to the feeding conditions of the animals is discussed.Electron microscopy revealed cells protruding into the lumen. These cells are considered to be autolysing cells rejected by the pyloric caecum.Cells resembling peritoneal cells were found at different heights in the digestive epithelium.'Complex bodies' are described in storage cells; their function is discussed.During the extensive growth of the gonads the storage cells of the pyloric caeca exhibit special features:1. The granular endoplasmic reticulum shows a high synthesizing activity; 2. The amount of lipid drops is elevated. |
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