STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF INSECT PHOTORECEPTOR

Abstract

The connections between the retinula cells of the compound eye and the neural elements in the optic lobe in fleshly (Boettcherisca peregrina) were observed by electron microscopy. The ommatidium consisted of eight retinula cells: six ordinary retinula cells, one central retinula cell and one basal retinula cell. The axons of ordinary retinula cells (short fibers) terminated at the lamina, whereas two extraordinary retinula cells extended their proximal axons (long fibers) to the medulla. Five or six short fibers crowded around two axons of monopolar ganglion cells at the lamina, constituting the neurommatidium where they held the repeated synaptic contacts with the monopolar axons. Many spherical invaginations were discovered at the axon membranes of short fiber in the neurommatidium. Such peculiar structures as well as the cytoarchitecture at the lamina were discussed in relation to possible functions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0485336

Entities

People

  • Masutara Kuwabara

Organizations

  • Kyushu University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cells
  • Central Nervous System
  • Electron Microscopes
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Electrons
  • Elements
  • Eye
  • Far East
  • Membranes
  • Microscopes
  • Microscopy
  • Military Research
  • Nervous System
  • Neural Pathways
  • Osmium Compounds
  • Thick Walls
  • Walls

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Neuroscience
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics