Fine structure of the rectum in cockroaches (Dictyoptera): general organization and intercellular junctions

The organization of the rectal pads is described in cockroaches belonging to the Groups Blattoidea (Periplaneta americana, Blatta orientalis) and Blaberoidea (Supella supellectillu, Blaberus craniifer). In the Blattoidea, each pad is composed of two layers (principal and basal cells) and is surrounded by very narrow junctional cells supporting the sclerotized cuticle of the pad frame; basally, the junctional cells abut on to the basal cells. In the Blaberoidea, the basal cell layer is discontinuous, the basal cells being interspersed between extensions of the junctional cells beneath the pad. The ultrastructural features of each cell type is described, with special reference to the intercellular junctions, which exhibit unusual complexity. Four types of junction are recognized: desmosomes (belt and spot desmosomes), gap junctions, septate junctions and scalariform (ladder-like) junctions. The last are usually closely associated with mitochondria, forming mitochondrial-scalariform junction complexes (MS). The distribution of these junctions is examined in relation to the partitioning of extracellular spaces, and to the problem of fluid transport.