Abstract
Autotomy of the elytra (scales) in the annelid Alentia gelatinosa occurs at a breakage plane near the junction between the elytron and its elytrophore (stalk), and requires fracture of the external epidermal cuticle. The mechanism of cuticular fracture was investigated by light and electron microscopy, glycoconjugate histochemistry, direct observation of autotomy in isolated preparations, and mechanical tests. The breakage plane crosses the elytrophoral wall at a cuticular thickening and passes through the subelytral cavity between the elytron and the terminal septum of the elytrophore.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 129-147 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Invertebrate Biology |
Volume | 130 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2011 |
Keywords
- collagen
- brittle fracture
- histochemistry