Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, Vol s3-96, 239-255, Copyright © 1955 by Company of Biologists

The Structure and Connexions of the Corpora Pedunculata in Bees and Ants

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge; present address, Department of Psychology, University of Reading

1. A method is described of using high frequency radio waves to produce localized and precisely controlled burns. The technique is employed to damage the cells of the corpora pedunculata in bees and ants, and to follow the subsequent degeneration in these lobes.

2. The corpora pedunculata on each side of the brain are composed of four lobes: two calyces, an lobe and a lobe. Each fibre originates from a cell in the calyx, and has three branches, one to the calyx itself, one to the lobe, and one to the lobe. The arrangement of the tracts in these lobes is described.

3. The calyces and the lobe both receive tracts from all the sensory centres of the brain, while the lobe sends tracts to the motor regions. The detailed connexions of these tracts are described.

4. It is suggested that in the functioning of the corpora pedunculata the excitations from the calyx and the lobe will interact, and that the excitation passing away down the lobe is the result of this interaction.