Fine Structure of the Hindgut of Armadillidium Vulgare
An ultrastructural study of the hepatopancreatic ducts and the hindgut of the terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare, reveals the presence of a single epithelial cell layer lined with cuticle. The cells of the duct lack the microvilli characteristic of the hepatopancreas and exhibit fewer apical infoldings than the cells of the hindgut. Basal infoldings, on the other hand, are common and relatively deep. Mitochondria are more abundant in the apical region of the cell than in the basal part. Bands of microtubules are present in the peripheral cytoplasm, and most of the microtubules run vertically in the cell from the luminal surface to the base (see fig. 1). Single membrane bounded vesicles of varying size were observed. These bodies contain moderately electron dense granular material. At the luminal surface the lateral membranes of adjacent cells are linked together by septate desmosomes. From the septate desmosome to the base of the cell there are relatively large intercellular spaces alternating with intermediate junctions or zona adherens.