1959/11/01 by Rudolph L. Pipa, Edwin F. Cook
Neuroscience · Environmental Science · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research #Insects and Parasite Interactions #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
paper · doi:10.1093/aesa/52.6.695
Eight pairs of nerves emanate from each of the three thoracic ganglia of the adult American cockroach. An additional chiasmic nerve, probably proprioceptive in function, is present in the pro thorax. The interganglionic connective is designated as nerve 1. Nerve 2A supplies the intersegmental muscles and others which, collectively, probably play an important role in the maintenance of posture. Nerve 2B of the meso- and metathorax is primarily sensory to the spiracular region, tegula, wings, and axillary region. Nerve 2C supplies the dorsal longitudinal and oblique muscles. Nerve 3A supplies coxal adductors and promotors, while 3B comprises the major sensory supply of the coxa. Nerve 4 supplies the main depressor of the leg, certain coxal remotors, and muscles which probably act as adductors and rotators. In the coxa nerve 5 is sensory to the coxal wall and meron, motor to the coxal branches of the main leg depressor. Nerve 6A supplies the coxal remotors; 6B the major levators of the leg, as well as muscles which probably function as coxal rotators or rotator-adductors. Nerve 7 provides the sensory supply of the basisternal and furcasternal setae. Nerve 8 supplies the spiracular closing muscle. The metathoracic and first abdominal ganglia are fused. The two nerves emanating from the first abdominal ganglion are characterized. Difficulties likely to be encountered in using nerve distribution to establish muscle homologies are discussed.