Fine structural indications of an osmoregulatory function of the "gills" in terrestrial isopods (Crustacea, Oniscoidea).
In all species of Oniscoidea investigated the epithelial cells of the "gills" (= eodopodites of pleopods) show the ultrastructural organization of transporting epithelia. Therefore it is assumed that also in the terrestrial isopods the pleopods are involved in respiration as well as osmoregulation.
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003445:Crustacea / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005880:Gills / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance