The central nervous system of Thenus orientalis (Leach)

Previous authors have suggested that there exist close correlations between the topography of the brain and the mode of life in isopods. This paper describes and illustrates the central nervous system of Thenus orientalis (family: Scyllaridae) and evaluates the findings in evolutionary terms. Considering the shortening of the connectives and the fusion of ganglia in the thoracic region of the ventral nerve cord, T. orientalis shows more pronounced marks of specialization than highly evolved isopods; in regard to the topographical displacement of the anatomical units of the brain, it occupies an intermediate position between the primitive Mysidacea and the advanced Isopoda.Present address of the author