The fine structure of neuromuscular and intermuscular connections in the adductors of Anodonta cygnea L. (Mollusca, Pelecypoda)

Zs.-Nagy, Imre and Salánki, János (1970) The fine structure of neuromuscular and intermuscular connections in the adductors of Anodonta cygnea L. (Mollusca, Pelecypoda). A Magyar Tudományos Akadémia Tihanyi Biológiai Kutatóintézetének évkönyve, 37. pp. 131-143. ISSN 0365-3005

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Abstract

The anterior and posterior adductors of Anodonta cygnea have been studied by the usual electron microscopic techniques. It was found that the axons between the muscle cells are unmyelinated and no Schwann sheath is present. They are morphologically similar to the axons of the central nervous system. They contain empty or dense-cored vesicles of about 400-1200 Á diameter. The enlarged endings of axons are especially rich in vesicles. The endings are in connection with the sarcolemma on some places forming unspecialized membrane appositions representing the neuromuscular synapses. Near these contacts there often occur clusters of vesicles in the endings.We failed to find any specialized neuromuscular end plate in the adductors. Nerve cells of small size are also present in the adductors. There are membrane appositions between the muscle cells and rarely nexuses or “gap junctions” can also be seen. These intersarcolemmic contacts can have some functional significance in the maintenance of synchronity of muscle contraction by chemical or electrical transmission of impulses. Desmosomes and half-desmosomes occur in great number on the surface of the muscle cells.

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