Serially homologous development of the peripheral nervous system in the mouthparts of the grasshopper

Abstract

Segmentally homologous neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation processes characterize the formation of the peripheral nervous system in the developing mouthparts of the grasshopper embryo. The peripherally located neurons derive from the ectoderm in each of the embryonic mouthparts. The major nerve branches serving the mandibles, maxillae, and labium are established by peripheral pioneer neurons, which project their axons into the central nervous system via a set of guidepost cells. The two secondary nerve branches in each appendage are established by fasciculation of peripheral afferent pioneers and central efferent pioneers or by efferent pioneers alone. Sensory cells differentiate and connect with the peripheral nerve branches after a basic peripheral nerve scaffold has been established. The serial homology of these developmental processes in the mouthparts and in the thoracic legs is striking and can be documented at the level of individual identified cells. Thus despite the enormous differences in gross structure and function among cephalic mouthparts and true thoracic legs, many aspects of neurogenesis and early neuronal differentiation are remarkably conserved in all of these appendages.