The Mechanism of Secretion by the Salivary Gland of the Cockroach Periplaneta Americana (L.)

Abstract

The two main cell types of the cockroach salivary gland, the ductule-containing cells and the zymogenic cells, are together responsible for the secretion of a powerful amylase and a mucoid substance. The evidence presented suggests that the precursors of both these materials are elaborated in the zymogenic cells and are passed to the ductule-containing cells for excretion. The morphology of the secretory ducts suggests that they also play a part in the elaboration of the saliva.