Observations on the morphology and histochemistry of the foregut muscles of spiders (Arachnida: Araneida)

The morphology of the foregut muscles of five spider families (Theraphosidae, Agelenidae, Araneidae, Lycosidae, Salticidae) was described, and the individual fibre numbers and fibre cross diameters of the muscles were determined. The nomenclature of these muscles was reviewed and modified if necessary. Oxidative enzyme and myosin‐ATPase histochemistry revealed eight dilatatory muscles of the foregut to consist of slow (type I) fibres, while fast fibres (type IIB), and intermediate fibres, were only to be found in the two other muscles of the foregut, and in the remaining prosomal muscles (type IIA fibres around the poison gland). The eight sucking muscles proper of the foregut also showed stronger activities of transmitter metabolizing enzymes [monoamine oxidase, glutamate dehydrogenase(NAD)], and comparatively distinct amounts of glycogen and lipids.