Ultrastructure and function of the labial nephridia and the rectum of Orchesella cincta (L.) (Collembola)

Abstract

The collembolan Orchesella cincta possesses a well-developed coelomoduct kidney. The presence of podocytes in the wall of the sacculus and the fact that the epithelium of the nephridial tubule has the ultrastructural characteristics of resorbing cells, indicate that this is an "ultrafiltration-reabsorption" kidney. Apparently also the rectum is lined by a reabsorptive epithelium; the cells possess an extensive system of apical and basal infoldings. This view is sustained by the fact that the stereology of the apical channel system varies in animals kept under different moisture conditions. During the intermoult period, both organs are subject to strong morphological changes, which are obviously related to the feeding rhythm.