B-cells and digestion in the hepatopancreas of <i>penaeus semisulcatus</i> (Crustacea: Decapoda)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The current nomenclature for cells in the hepatopancreas of decapods is based on the classification of Jacobs (1928) and Hirsch &amp; Jacobs (1928). They described the E-(embryonic), F-(fibrillar), B-(blister-like) and R-(resorptive or absorptive) cells. More recently the M-(midget) cell has been described (Al-Mohanna, Nott &amp; Lane, 1984). Accounts of the structure of these cells are reviewed by Gibson &amp; Barker (1979) and the B-cells most closely resemble those described and illustrated in this paper for the period 24 h after feeding.