Date of Award
7-1964
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Jean M. Lawrence
Second Advisor
Dr. Imy Holt
Third Advisor
Dr. Jack Wood
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Leo VanderBeek
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Chapter I
Introduction
In the central nervous system of most animals which have been examined some neurons show cytological characteristics of gland cells. These cells are now recognized as a specialized cell type and designated neurosecretory cells.
These neurosecretory cells are capable of elaborating secretory material which is accumulated as granules in the body of the nerve cell and in the axon-endings. They release complex organic substances, neurohormones, which act as hormones and are often liberated into the blood stream (Welsh, 1958). These specialized neurons are capable of receiving impulses from other neurons although their axons do not end in contact with other neurons or effectors (Scharrer, 1959). Examples are the hypothalmus-pituitary axis of vertebrates and the sinus-x gland complex of crustaceans (Laverack, 1963).
In many of the invertebrates, especially Annelida, these neurosecretory cells make up a large proportion of the central nervous system (Hagadorn, 1959; Scharrer, 1959; Herlant-Meewis, 1961). According to Scharrer (1959) they may well be the only source of hormones in these organisms.
Recommended Citation
Dennany, Richard M., "An Investigation of the Influence of the Suprapharyngeal Ganglia upon Water Balance and on Osmoregulation in Lumbricus Terrestris" (1964). Masters Theses. 4474.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4474