Histology and Histochemistry of the Ovary and Oogenesis Inbalanus Amphitritel. Andb. Eburneusgould (Cirripedia, Crustacea)

Four cell types can be distinguished in the ovarioles of Balanus amphitrite and B. eburneus: cells in the ovariole membrane, oogonia, previtellogenetic oocytes in various stages of development, and oocytes filled with proteid yolk droplets. The germarium does not have a strictly defined localization in the ovariole. The vitellarium consists of oocytes only, with apparently no accessory cells. An autonomous egg formation seems probable. The histochemistry of the ovarian cells is described. The formation of discernible proteid yolk droplets appears to be a rapid process. The development from ovariole buds to elongated ovarioles is described. There is a continuous production of new oocytes throughout the intermolt cycle. Vitellogenesis seems to be initiated predominantly in postecydsis and is completed during one intermolt cycle.