Callinectes sapidus (the Blue Crab) is a
common crustacean found along the eastern seaboard. The histology of its
exoskeleton, as well as the pattern of its molt cycle, have both been
well-established by numerous studies. For my Honors project, the inner skeleton
of the Blue Crab was examined. Samples were taken from the propodite of the
first pereiopod. The tissue sampled has historically been called a tendon since
it connects the musculature of the crab to its exoskeleton in all of the
appendages. Two tendons were present in the propodite and were referred to as
the anterior and posterior tendons due to their positioning while the crab was
at rest. The anterior tendon was inserted by the musculus abductor
dactylopoditis which moved the dactylopodite outward. The larger posterior
tendon was inserted by the musculus adductor dactylopoditis which moved the
dactylopodite inward. The study was done by utilizing light miscroscopy in
combination with various fixations and staining procedures. The tendon was in
fact a new type cuticle, thus was named the inner cuticle. The inner cuticle
exhibited unique characteristics not found in outer cuticle, arthrodial
membrane, or the inner branchiostegal cuticle. There were two distinct layers:
the medial layer and lateral layer. The inner cuticle was found to be an
infolding of the external cuticle similar in structure to the inner
branchiostegal cuticle of the branchial chamber. Further examination needs to
be done to reveal the composition of the junction between the inner cuticle and
external cuticle.