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Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, Vol s3-94, 523-535, Copyright © 1953 by Company of Biologists

The Atrial Nervous System of Amphioxus (Branchiostoma)

WILLIAM HOLMES 1

1 Department of Zoology, University Museum, Oxford

This paper is concerned with the system of neurons which lies in the walls of the atrium of Branchiostoma.

The system is found on the parietal and ventral walls of the atrium, as well as round the gut, and it is therefore thought preferable to speak of it as the atrial nervous system rather than the autonomic (enteric) system (Boeke).

The neurons are shown to lie in or immediately below the atrial epithelium, which is of ectodermal origin.

Special attention is given to the innervation of the gut and its diverticulum, of the atrio-coelomic funnels, and of the atrioporal region.

Evidence as to the effector and receptor elements of the system is discussed. It has central connexions, and it is suggested that its activities play an important part in the animal's behaviour.






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1953