Tarantula anatomy question

JayzunBoget

Arachnobaron
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Jun 26, 2007
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331
I've seen several different schematics of tarantula anatomy, but never have I seen one that detailed or talked about the pressure relief valves found on either side of the patellas.
I have seen hemolymph "bled" from these points just before a shed, during an event of extreme stress or physical exertion, and in older (senior citizen) tarantulas.
Does anyone know what these are called or know where I can find a paper or essay about these?
:? :? :?
 

M.F.Bagaturov

Arachnoprince
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Jun 20, 2004
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What are You talking about?
Patellas? Can You describe the structure of these valves?

I knew only of these: "In tarantula body there are also possess coaxial glands, disposed in bases of сoxa of leg I and III, importance of which before recent time remain unknown. However in 1991 Taylor and Batt have found out that they secret the liquid, promoting digestion (similarly saliva of human being and animals), as well as executing salt exchanging function in organism of tarantula."
Which is from here: http://tarantulas.tropica.ru/en/node/609#Food
 

JayzunBoget

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Jun 26, 2007
Messages
331
What are You talking about?
Patellas? Can You describe the structure of these valves?
No, unfortunately I can not describe what lays beneath the surface. However, I can describe the drops of clear fluid that at certain times appear to develop from the joints on either side of the patella. The times that I have witnessed this are as I've described them before. My T. blondi is secreting fluid at that point now. Tomorrow I will see if I can get a few good pics of this.
 
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