COMPARATIVE MICROSCOPIC STUDIES ON FEEDING MECHANISMS OF SOME CRUSTACEANS

ِِ A comparative microscopical study, by using histological, histochemical, scanning and transmission electron microscopical techniques, has been made on the structural-functional relationships of the feeding devices and mechanisms of three different crusSeveral roles are proposed for the different tegumental and integumental modification observed in the present study such as production of water currents and filteration(plumose setae), food collection(comb setae),food binding and lubrication (mucus secretmandibular molar surfaces, cleaning andabrasion serrate and spiky serrate setae, sweeping food and polishing (papose and brush setae),space sealing )maxillipedal coupling hooks,stout interdigiyating maxillulary setae and short plumose maxillary setae), laceration of tissues(serrated mandibular