Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Excretory Organs, Fat-Body and other Haemocoelic Structures

  • Chapter
IMMS’ General Textbook of Entomology

  • 602 Accesses

Abstract

The function of an excretory system is the maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment for the tissues of the body; among the regulatory processes involved are the elimination of the nitrogenous waste-products of protein breakdown and the control of the ionic composition of the haemolymph. The principal excretory organs of insects are the Malpighian tubules, working in conjunction with the hind gut (p. 252). Other haemocoelic structures, such as the nephrocytes, fat-body and some cephalic glands, have also been regarded in the past as excretory organs. This interpretation now needs to be treated with reserve, but the structures concerned, together with the oenocytes and mycetomes, are dealt with in this chapter.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Literature on Excretory Organs, Fat-body, Oenocytes, etc.

  • ALTNER, H. (1968), Die Ultrastruktur Labialnephridien von Onychiurus quadriocellatus (Collembola), J. Ultrastruct. Res., 24, 349–366.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • BERKALOFF, A. (1960), Contribution à l’étude des tubes de Malpighi et de l’excrétion chez les insectes. Observation au microscope électronique, Annls Sci. nat. (Zool.) Paris (Sér. 12), 2, 869–947.

    Google Scholar 

  • BERRIDGE, M. J. (1970), Osmoregulation in terrestrial arthropods, In: Florkin, M. and Scheer, B. T. (eds), Chemical Zoology, V(A), 287–319.

    Google Scholar 

  • BERRIDGE, M. J. AND OSCHMAN, J. L. (1969), A structural basis for fluid secretion by Malpighian tubules, Tissue and Cell, 1, 247–272.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • BROWN, A. W. A. (1938), The nitrogen metabolism of an insect (Lucilia sericata Mg.). I–II, Biochem. J., 32, 895–902; 903–912.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • BUCHNER, P. (1965), Endo symbiosis of Animals with Plant Microorganisms, Interscience, New York, 909 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • BURSELL, E. (1967), The excretion of nitrogen in insects, Adv. Insect Physiol., 4, 33–67.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • COPELAND, E. (1964), A mitochondrial pump in the cells of the anal papillae of mosquito larvae, J. Cell Biol., 23, 253–264.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • CRAIG, R. (1960), The physiology of excretion in the insect, A. Rev. Ent., 5, 53–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CROWDER, L. AND SHANKLAND, D. L. (1972), Structure of the Malpighian tubule muscle of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, Ann. ent. Soc. Am., 65, 614–619.

    Google Scholar 

  • EVANS, J. T. (1967), Development and ultrastructure of the fat body cells and oenocytes of the Queensland fruit fly Dacus tryoni (Frogg.), Z. Zeilforsch., 81, 49–61.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • FAHLANDER, K. (1940), Die Segmentalorgane der Diplopoda, Symphyla und Insecta Apterygota, Zool. Bidr. Upps., 18, 243–251.

    Google Scholar 

  • FEUSTEL, H. (1958), Untersuchungen über die Exkretion bei Collembolen. (Ein Beitrag zur Exkretion bei Arthropoden), Z. miss. Zool., 161, 209–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • GAUDECKER, B. VON (1963), Über den Formwechsel einiger Zellorganelle bei der Bildung der Reservestoffe im Fettkörper von Drosophila-Larven, Z. Zellforsch., 61, 56–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • GNATZY, W. (1970), Struktur und Entwicklung des Integuments und der Oenocyten von Culex pipiens L. (Dipt.), Z. Zellforsch., 110, 401–443.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • GRIMSTONE, A. V., MULLINGER, A. M. AND RAMSAY, J. A. (1968), Further studies on the rectal complex of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), Phil. Trans. R. Soc, Ser. B, 253, 343–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • HARVEY, W. R. AND NEDERGAARD, S. (1964), Sodium-independent active transport of potassium in the isolated midgut of the cecropia silkworm, Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 51, 757–765.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • HENSON, H. (1944), The development of the Malpighian tubules of Blatt a orientalis (Orthoptera), Proc. R. ent. Soc. Lond. (A), 19, 73–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • HENSON, H. (1946), The theoretical aspects of insect metamorphosis, Biol. Rev., 21, 1–14.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • HUBER, M. (1958), Histologische und experimentelle Untersuchungen über die Oenocyten der Larve von Sialis lutaria L., Z. Zellforsch., 49, 661–697.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • HUDDART, H. (1972), Fine structure of the neural fat-body sheath in the stick insect and its physiological significance, J. exp. Zool., 179, 145–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ISHIZAKI, H. (1965), Electron microscopic study of changes in the subcellular Organization during metamorphosis of the fat body cells of Philosamia ricini (Lepidoptera), J. Insect Physiol., 11, 845–855.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • KAISER, P. (1950), Zur Kenntnis der Oenocyten. Histologische Untersuchungen am Kohlweissling, Zool. Anz., 145, 364–372.

    Google Scholar 

  • KEILIN, D. (1921), On the calcium carbonate and the calcospherites in the Malpighian tubes and fat-body of Dipterous larvae and the ecdysial elimination of these products of secretion, Q. Jl microsc. Sci., 65, 611–625.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • KESSEL, R. G. (1962), Light and electron microscope studies on the pericardial cells of nymphal and adult grasshoppers, Melanoplus differentialis differentialis (Thomas), J. Morph., no, 79–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • KESSEL, R. G. (1970), The permeability of dragon-fly Malpighian tubule cells to protein using horseradish peroxidase as a tracer, J. Cell Biol., 47, 299–303.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • KILBY, B. A. (1963), The biochemistry of the insect fat body, Adv. Insect Physiol., 1, 111–174

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LARSEN, W. (1970), Genesis of mitochondria in insect fat body, J. Cell Biol., 47, 373–383.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LARTCHENKO, K. I. (1937), Le cycle évolutif du corps adipeux de Loxostege sticticalis L. et Feltia segetum Schiff. et sa relation avec la fécondité, Rev. ent. U.R.S.S., 27, 29–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • LHOSTE, J. (1950), Sur quelques aspects cytologiques et histochimiques des oenocytes de Forficula auricularia L. imago, Bull. Soc. zool. Fr., 75, 162–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • LOCKE, M. (1969), The ultrastructure of oenocytes in the molt/intermolt cycle of an insect, Tissue and Cell, 1, 103–154.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LOCKE, M. AND COLLINS, J. V. (1965), The structure and formation of protein granules in the fat body of an insect, J. Cell Biol., 26, 857–884.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LOCKE, M. AND COLLINS, J. V. (1968), Protein uptake into multivesicular bodies and storage granules in the fat body of an insect, J. Cell Biol., 36, 453–483.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LOCKE, M. AND MCMAHON, J. T. (1971), The origin and fate of microbodies in the fat body of an insect, J. Cell Biol., 48, 61–78.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MADDRELL, S. H. P. (1971a), Fluid secretion by the Malpighian tubules of insects, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Ser. B, 262, 197–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MADDRELL, S. H. P. (1971b), The mechanisms of insect excretory systems. Adv. Insect Physiol., 8, 199–331.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MAZZI, V. AND BACCETTI, B. (1963), Ricerche istochimice e al microscopio elettronico sui tubi malpighiani di Dacus oleae Gmel. I. La larva, Z. Zeilforsch., 59, 47–70.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MILLS, R. P. AND KING, R. C. (1965), The pericardial cells of Drosophila melanogaster, Q. Jl microsc. Sci., 106, 261–268.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MULLINS, D. E. AND COCHRAN, D. G. (1973), Nitrogenous excretory materials from the American cockroach, J. Insect Physiol., 19, 1007–1018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • NOBLE-NESBITT, J. (1969, 1970), Water balance in the fire brat, Thermobia domestica, J. exp. Biol., 50, 745–769;

    Google Scholar 

  • NOBLE-NESBITT, J. (1969, 1970), Water balance in the fire brat, Thermobia domestica, J. exp. Biol., 52, 193–200.

    Google Scholar 

  • PALM, N. B. (1946), Studies on the peristalsis of Malpighian tubules of insects, Acta Univ. lund., 42, 1–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • PARDI, L. (1939), I corpi grassi degli insetti, Redia, 25, 87–288.

    Google Scholar 

  • POLL, M. (1937), Contribution à l’étude de histophysiologie de l’appareil urinaire des larves de Myrméléontides, Mém. Mus. Hist. nat. Belg. (2), 3, 635–666.

    Google Scholar 

  • POLL, M. (1937), Note sur les tubes de Malpighi des larves de Tenthredinoïdes, Bull. Ann. Soc. ent. Belg., 77, 433–442.

    Google Scholar 

  • POLL, M. (1939), Contribution à l’étude de l’appareil urinaire des chenilles de Lépidoptères, Ann. Soc. zool. Belg., 69, 9–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • PRICE, G. M. (1973), Protein and nucleic acid metabolism in insect fat body, Biol. Rev., 48, 333–375.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RAMSAY, J. A. (1955), The excretion of sodium, potassium and water by the Malpighian tubules of the stick insect, Dixippus morosus (Orthoptera, Phasmidae), J. exp. Biol., 32, 200–216.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RAMSAY, J. A. (1956), Excretion by the Malpighian tubules of the stick insect, Dixippus morosus (Orthoptera, Phasmidae): calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate and hydrogen ions, J. exp. Biol., 33, 697–708.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RAMSAY, J. A. (1958), Excretion by the Malpighian tubules of the stick insect, Dixippus morosus (Orthoptera, Phasmidae): amino acids, sugars and urea, J. exp. Biol., 35, 871–891.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RAMSAY, J. A. (1971), Insect rectum, Phil. Trans. R. Soc, Ser. B, 262, 251–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • RAZET, P. (1966), Les éléments terminaux du catabolisme azote chez les insectes, Année biol, 5, 43–73.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RICHARDS, A. G. (1951), The Integument of Arthropods, University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, 411 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • RIEGEL, J. (1971), Excretion-Arthropoda, In: Florkin, M. and Scheer, B. T. (eds), Chemical Zoology, 6B, 249–277.

    Google Scholar 

  • ROMER, F. (1974), Ultrastructural changes of the oenocytes of Gryllus bimaculatus Deg (Saltatoria, Insecta) during the moulting cycle, Cell and Tissue Res., 151, 27–46.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SAINI, R. S. (1964), Histology and physiology of the cryptonephridial system of insects, Trans. R. ent. Soc. Lond., 116, 347–392.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SANGER, J. W. AND MCCANN, F. V. (1968), Fine structure of the pericardial cells of the moth, Hyalophora cecropia, and their role in protein uptake, J. Insect Physiol., 14, 1839–1845.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SAVAGE, A. A. (1956), The development of the Malpighian tubules of Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera), Q. Jl microsc. Sci., 97, 599–615.

    Google Scholar 

  • SAVAGE, A. A. (1962), The development of the Malpighian tubules of Carausius morosus (Orthoptera), Q. Jl microsc. Sci., 103, 417–437.

    Google Scholar 

  • SCHMIDT, G. (1961), Sekretionsphasen und cytologische Beobachtungen zur Funktion der Oenocyten während der Puppenphase verschiedener Kasten und Geschlechter von Formica polyctena Foerst. (Ins., Hym., Form.), Z. Zellforsch., 55, 707–723.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SCHOFFENIELS, E. AND GILLES, R. (1970), Osmoregulation in aquatic arthropods, In: Florkin, M. and Scheer, B. T. (eds), Chemical Zoology 5A, 255–286.

    Google Scholar 

  • SMITH, D. S. AND LITTAU, V. C. (1960), Cellular specialization in the excretory epithelia of an insect, Macrosteles fasciifrons Stål (Homoptera), J. biophys. biochem. Cytol., 8, 103–133.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SRIVASTAVA, U. S. AND KHARE, M. K. (1966), The development of Malpighian tubules and associated structures in Philosamia ricini (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae), J. Zool., Lond., 150, 145–163.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • STADDON, B. W. (1955), The excretion and storage of ammonia by aquatic larvae of Sialis lutaria (Neuroptera), J. exp. Biol., 32, 84–94.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • STADDON, B. W. (1959), Nitrogen excretion in nymphs of Aeshna cyanea (Müll.) (Odonata, Anisoptera), J. exp. Biol., 36, 566–574.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • STOBBART, R. H. AND SHAW, J. (1974), Salt and water balance; excretion, In: Rockstein, M. (ed.), The Physiology of Insecta, 5, 361–446.

    Google Scholar 

  • TAYLOR, H. H. (1971), Water and solute transport by the Malpighian tubules of the stick insect, Carausius morosus. The normal ultrastructure of the Type 1 cells, Z. Zellforsch., 118, 333–368.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • TREHERNE, J. E. (1972), A study of the function of the neural fat-body sheath in the stick insect, Carausius morosus, J. exp. Biol., 56, 129–137.

    Google Scholar 

  • VENEZIANI, A. (1905), Valore morfologico e fisiologico dei tubi malpighiani, Redia, 2, 177–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • WALKER, P. A. (1965), The structure of the fat body in normal and starved cock-roaches as seen with the electron microscope, J. Insect Physiol., 11, 1625–1631.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WESSING, A. (1962), Elektronenmikroskopische Studien zur Funktion der Malpighischen Gefässe von Drosophila melanogaster. I. Die Gefasse der Larve und Imago, Protoplasma, 55, 264–293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WHEELER, W. M. (1893), The primitive number of Malpighian vessels in insects. Psyche, 6, 457–460; 485–486; 497–498; 509–510; 539–541; 545–547; 561–564.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WICHARD, W. AND KOMNICK, H. (1973), Fine structure and function of the abdominal chloride epithelia in caddisfly larvae, Z. Zellforsch., 136, 579–590.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WICHARD, W. AND KOMNICK, H. (1974), Fine structure and function of the rectal chloride epithelia of damselfly larvae, J. Insect Physiol., 20, 1611–1621.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WICHARD, W., KOMNICK, H. AND ABEL, J. H. (1972), Typology of ephemerid chloride cells, Z. Zellforsch., 132, 533–551.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WIGGLESWORTH, V. B. (1931), The physiology of excretion in a blood-sucking insect, Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae). I–III, J. exp. Biol., 8, 411–451.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WIGGLESWORTH, V. B. (1938), The regulation of osmotic pressure and chloride concentrations in the haemolymph of mosquito larvae, J. exp. Biol., 15, 235–247.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WIGGLESWORTH, V. B. (1942), The storage of protein, fat, glycogen and uric acid in the fat body and other tissues of mosquito larvae, J. exp. Biol., 19, 56–77.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WIGGLESWORTH, V. B. (1943), The fate of haemoglobin in Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera) and other blood-sucking Arthropods, Proc. R. Soc. (B), 131, 313–339.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WIGGLESWORTH, V. B. (1947), The epicuticle in an insect, Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera), Proc. R. Soc. (B), 134, 163–181.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WIGGLESWORTH, V. B. (1970), The pericardial cells of insects: analogue of the reticuloendothelial system, J. Reticuloendothelial Soc, 7, 208–216.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WIGGLESWORTH, V. B. AND SALPETER, M. M. (1962), Histology of the Malpighian tubules in Rhodnius prolixus Stål (Hemiptera), J. Insect Physiol., 8, 299–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Imperial College, University of London, UK

    O. W. Richards M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S. (Emeritus Professor of Zoology and Applied Entomology) & R. G. Davies M.Sc. (Reader in Entomology)

Authors
  1. O. W. Richards M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. G. Davies M.Sc.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1977 O. W. Richards and R. G. Davies

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Richards, O.W., Davies, R.G. (1977). The Excretory Organs, Fat-Body and other Haemocoelic Structures. In: IMMS’ General Textbook of Entomology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6514-3_15

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6514-3_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-412-15210-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-6514-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation