Peripheral neurons and peripheral neurosecretion in the stick insect, Carausius morosus

Abstract

Light and electron microscope studies of peripheral neurons on nerves in the abdominal segments of the stick insect (Carausius morosus) reveal distinct differences between a group of eight or nine that are probably sensory and a group of about four that are actively neurosecretory. In addition to the characteristic granules produced by these cells four other types of neurosecretory granules have been identified. A map of the distribution of the five types has been constructed from electron-micrographs of sections of the main peripheral nerves. In each main abdominal segment there are also approximately 48 pairs of sub-epidermal neurons.