MORPHOLOGY OF MUSCLE-FIBERS IN AMPHIBIAN SUB-MANDIBULAR MUSCLE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 93  (2) , 225-243
Abstract
The microscopic organization and ultrastructure of the submandibular muscle of 10 spp. of Amphibia [Bufo bufo, B. viridis, Rana temporaria, R. esculenta, Bombina bombina, Hyla arborea, Salamandra salamandra, Triturus cristatus, Triturus alpestris and T. vulgaris] were compared. Among other fiber features the diameter of fibers, their content of mitochondria and fat, organization of sarcomeres: morphology of Z-line, M-band and sarcoplasmic reticulum were taken into consideration and 4 main types of muscle fibers were distinguished. They correspond to tonic (slow) and phasic (red, white and intermediate) ones. Slight variety of fiber morphology and of fiber elements among the examined species was found. Special attention to the variety of fiber morphology among the established types was paid and the existence of continuous spectrum of fibers was suggested. The correlation of frequency of fibers of particular types with the body size, gular oscillation frequency and some other characteristics of the submandibular muscle in the examined species was discussed. Also the zonal arrangement of muscle according to the fiber types, as well as possible dynamic nature of muscle fibers were emphasized.