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The ultrastructure of the metathoracic femoral extensors of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana
Author(s) -
Fourtner Charles R.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1051560202
Subject(s) - periplaneta , sarcomere , cockroach , biology , ultrastructure , anatomy , glycogen , myofibril , muscle fibre , endoplasmic reticulum , myocyte , microbiology and biotechnology , skeletal muscle , endocrinology , ecology
The ultrastructure of the femoral extensors of the metathoracic leg of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana was studied to determine morphological correlations with the known patterns of innervation, physiological properties and biochemical properties. Three different types of muscle fibers were described. Type 1 consisted of short sarcomeres (mean 3.7 μm), few mitochondria and sparse glycogen‐like material; Type 2, short sarcomeres (4.2 μm), numerous mitochondria, large amounts of glycogen; Type 3, long sarcomeres (7.5 μm), numerous mitochondria and large amounts of glycogen. A qualitative examination of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and transverse tubular system (TTS) revealed the density of SR and TTS to be greatest in Type 1 and least in Type 3. There were obvious correlations between the morphological features and the other known characteristics of these muscle fibers. The role of these different muscle fiber types in different locomotory behaviors was discussed. In summary, the three types of muscle fibers are used in three different behaviors: Type 1, rapid walking; Type 2, slow walking; Type 3, postural control.