Further Observations on Proprioceptors in Crustacea and a Hypothesis About Their Function

Abstract

In the coxal region ofEupagurus bernardusthe following receptor organs have been found: (1) a muscular receptor spanning the thoracico-coxal articulation, its innervation, in which several neurons take part, being arranged on a similar pattern as inCarcinus; (2) two innervated elastic strands running along the bundles of mm. levator and depressor basipoditis respectively and inserting into the tendons of these muscles; (3) a coxo-basipodite receptor consisting of connective tissue strand with numerous bipolar nerve cells ending on it. With the exception of the coxo-basipodite receptor, all sensory neurons of these organs have their cell bodies located in the central nervous system.It is suggested that these receptors convey impulses elicited by the movements of the legs and some hypotheses concerning the role of each of them are put forward.