The structure and function of thoracic exopodites in the larvae of the lobster Homarus gammarus (L.)

The first three larval stages of the lobster Homarus gammarus are pelagic swimming animals. A description is given of the exopodite apparatus of the thoracic appendages that provide lift and propulsive power in these stages. Setal arrangement and display provides greater surface area during power st...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. B, Biological Sciences
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: The Royal Society 1976
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1976.0038
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rstb.1976.0038
Description
Summary:The first three larval stages of the lobster Homarus gammarus are pelagic swimming animals. A description is given of the exopodite apparatus of the thoracic appendages that provide lift and propulsive power in these stages. Setal arrangement and display provides greater surface area during power strokes. Musculature is peculiar to the exopodites and concerned with rotational movements of the appendage. Metachronal beating takes place with the segmental appendages moving in a variable sequence.