Comparative aspects of the chelicerate nervous systems

Abstract

Main features of the neuroanatomical organization of recent Chelicerata are described. Thereby, it is possible to characterize a general scheme of the chelicerate brain that includes neuropil regions as the “central body” and the “corpora pedunculata”. Application of immunohistochemistry allows a description of identified neurons associated with these neuropil regions. Such neurons have been characterized as being homologous in different arachnid species. The chapter discusses whether these neurons form part of a ground plan of the arachnid brain.