The functional morphology of the metapleural gland of the leaf-cutting ant Atta laevigata (Formicidae: Attini)

Micron : the International Research and Review Journal for Microscopy
Alexsandro S VieiraMaria I Camargo-Mathias

Abstract

Given the importance of the metapleural gland in ants, the present study aimed at describing it in minor, media, and major workers of Atta laevigata, focusing their physiology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histologic, and histochemical techniques. The results revealed that this gland is paired and located in the metathoracic region, consisted of two portions: secretory and the storage ones. Both portions are connected by extracytoplasmic canaliculi that drain the secretion of each secretory cell they form groups that open into the perforated plate located in the wall of the collecting chamber. The oval-shaped and elongated secretory cells form clusters of approximately 20 cells, bundled together by connective tissue. Each secretory cell connects to the reservoir through a canaliculus divided into an intra- and extracytoplasmic portion. The collecting chamber and the reservoir are internally lined by a single squamous epithelium with a cuticular intima, with folds in the collecting chamber and smooth in the remaining of the reservoir. External muscle layers surrounding the reservoir are observed which aid the release of secretion by the gland opening (one on each side) located in the exoskeleton near coxae of hind le...Continue Reading

References

Feb 1, 1971·Angewandte Chemie·H Schildknecht, K Koob
Jun 14, 2006·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Hermógenes Fernández-MarínWilliam T Wcislo

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Citations

Nov 6, 2014·Journal of Insect Science·Viviane C TofoloWilliam F Antonialli-Junior
Dec 25, 2010·Microscopy Research and Technique·Alexsandro Santana VieiraMaria Izabel Camargo-Mathias
Sep 18, 2012·Journal of Chemical Ecology·Alexsandro S VieiraMaria I Camargo-Mathias
Apr 21, 2011·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Sze Huei Yek, Ulrich G Mueller
Apr 18, 2012·PLoS Biology·Matthias KonradSylvia Cremer
Aug 24, 2018·Scientific Reports·Herbert C WagnerBirgit C Schlick-Steiner

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