Literaturdatenbank
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Plummer, M. V., & Trauth, S. E. (2009). The structure of rathke's glands in the softshell turtles apalone mutica and a. spinifera. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 4(2), 207–220.
Added by: Admin (09 May 2010 16:31:06 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Plummer2009 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Apalone, Apalone mutica, Apalone spinifera, Morphologie = morphology, Physiologie = physiology, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Trionychidae Creators: Plummer, Trauth Collection: Herpetological Conservation and Biology |
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| Abstract |
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Trionychidae Abstract.—Although Rathke’s glands are thought to be homologous among Testudines, we know little about the gland structure in many turtle lineages, including the trionychid softshells. We describe the macro, micro, and ultrastructural anatomy of Rathke’s glands in the softshell turtles Apalone mutica and A. spinifera. Rathke’s glands of both species are structurally similar and consist of two pair of anatomically similar glands, an axillary and an inguinal pair. Both are large exocrine glands derived from epidermal epithelium and appear to be specialized for the production and extrusion of a secretion onto the body surface. Glands consist of one or more apparent holocrine secretory lobules encased in a muscle and connective tissue capsule. Secretion droplets and cellular debris fill lobules that empty through secretory ducts leading to exterior pores. Unlike all non-trionychoid turtles, each axillary gland of A. mutica and A. spinifera has a lengthy secretory duct that empties through a pore on the leading edge of the carapace; otherwise, gland structure closely resembles that of Rathke’s glands in other lineages of turtles. The overall similarity in the anatomy of Rathke’s glands in softshells and other turtles supports the notion that Rathke’s glands are ancient structures and homologous among all turtle lineages. We discuss possible functions of Rathke’s glands in softshells and other turtles; however, the glands’ function remains largely unknown and offers a challenging opportunity for behavioral and chemical ecologists
Added by: Admin |