Abstract
The movements of the basis of maxilla 2 in Palaemon adspersus were examined using macro-video recordings, and the morphology of its setae was examined using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The basis of maxilla 2 performs stereotypical movements in the latero-medial plane and gently touches the food with a frequency of 3-5 Hz. The medial rim of the basis of maxilla 2 carries three types of seta. Type 1 is serrate, type 2 and 3 are serrulate, and type 2 has a prominent terminal pore. Type 2 is innervated by 18-25 sensory cells whose cilia protrude through the terminal pore and are in direct contact with the external environment. The structure of type 2 setae indicates that they are mainly gustatory, although still bimodal due to their innervation by presumed chemosensory and mechanosensory neurons. Distally, the three types of setae have a complex arrangement of the cuticle involving water-filled canals, which may serve to improve flexibility. Type 1 and 3 setae have fewer sensory cells (4-9) but probably also have a bimodal sensory function. The function of type 1 setae is probably to protect type 2 setae, while type 3 setae might serve to groom the ventral side of the basis of maxilla 1.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Biological Bulletin |
| Volume | 204 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 126-37 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| ISSN | 0006-3185 |
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |