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Histological Sections of Mastigoteuthis Tentacle

Michael Vecchione

These histological sections of a tentacle of Mastigoteuthis magna show (1) the very small, relative size of the suckers (Figs. A, B), (2) the near lack of transverse muscles (Fig. B) indicating that rapid extension does not occur (a section through the stalk showed the same near-absence of transverse muscles), and (3) the very large axial nerve (Figs. A, C) needed to accommodate the motor and sensory attributes of the numerous suckers. Sections were prepared by Bill Kier and photographed by Mike Vecchione.
A- Section through the tentacular club. B- Enlargement of a portion of Fig. A. C- Section through the tentacular stalk.

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National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D. C. , USA

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