Journal article

Publication year: 1999

Pages: 196-211

Journal: Zoology

Volume number: 102

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0944-2006

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
The midgut glands of Nautilus pompilius and Nautilus macromphalus were investigated by light microscopical as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopical methods to give a detailed morphological picture of this organ. The comparison of morphological data with enzymehistochemical studies allow a survey on structure-function relationships in the midgut gland of Nautilus. The gland shows a tubular organization with an intensive blood supply and a large amount of different enzymatic activities. Four functional subunits can be distinguished: the ductus hepatopancreaticus (transportation of chyme from the caecum to the tubulary system of the gland), the ductulus (transportation of chyme from the ductus hepatopancreaticus to the tubulary transitional part), the tubulary transitional part (resorption of nutrient, secretion of enzymes, storage especially of lipids), and the Terminal alveolus as a blind ending part of the gland (resorption of nutrients, secretion of enzymes, excretion of cell detritus). The prime task of the midgut glands of Nautilus pompilius and Nautilus macromphalus is digestion, but there are also indications for excretory processes related to digestion in this organ.

Harvard Citation style: Ruth, P., Schipp, R. and Arnold, J. (1999) Organization and function of the midgut glands of Nautilus pompilius L. and Nautilus macromphalus SOW. (Cephalopoda, Tetrabranchiata), Zoology, 102(4), pp. 196-211

APA Citation style: Ruth, P., Schipp, R., & Arnold, J. (1999). Organization and function of the midgut glands of Nautilus pompilius L. and Nautilus macromphalus SOW. (Cephalopoda, Tetrabranchiata). Zoology. 102(4), 196-211.