Tegumental glands in the paragnaths of Palaemon serratus (Crustacea: Natantia)

Abstract

The three lobed paragnath of Palaemon serratus (Pennant) contains numerous rosette-type tegumental glands often arranged in clusters of up to ten glands. Each gland is made up of around ten cells most of which stain deeply with toluidine blue and whose contents have a reticulate appearance in electron micrographs. One, or occasionally two, cells stain faintly and have a fine granular appearance in electron micrographs. The central region of each gland contains the main drainage duct together with feeder canals from the vesicular storage areas. The actively secreting region of each cell is peripheral and typified by abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. There are nerves adjacent to the glands and their contents are probably discharged in response to a food stimulus. The structure and possible function of the glands are discussed in relation to those of other species The secretions could act as a lubricant and as a binding agent to aid in the ingestion of particulate food. There is no evidence for any direct digestive function.