A new look at the ventral nerve centre of Sagitta: implications for the phylogenetic position of Chaetognatha (arrow worms) and the evolution of the bilaterian nervous system
2007
New Insights into the Nervous System of Arrow Worms
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Steffen Harzsch, Carsten HG Müller
Primary Institution: Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
Hypothesis
What is the structure of the ventral nerve centre in Sagitta setosa and how does it relate to the phylogenetic position of Chaetognatha?
Conclusion
The study provides new information on the structure of the chaetognath nervous system, suggesting that Chaetognatha should be placed within the Protostomia.
Supporting Evidence
- The ventral nerve centre is organized into a highly ordered array of approximately 80 microcompartments.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed individually identifiable neurons in the ventral nerve centre.
- The findings suggest a centralized nervous system structure that is unique to Chaetognatha.
Takeaway
This study looks at the nervous system of arrow worms and finds that they are more closely related to certain other animal groups than previously thought.
Methodology
The study used histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques to explore the structure of the ventral nerve centre in Sagitta setosa.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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