Light Microscopy

A photomicrograph of some glandular cells of (T.vipera) showing the appearance of the toxin when stained, This glandular cell (arrowed) in the centre of the picture has a damaged outer membrane and the toxin and cellular contents can be easily seen leaving the cell in a concentrated form. Bromophenol blue. Mag x1000

A Photomicrograph of part of the venom gland showing the glandular connective tissue (CF) that surrounds the glandular cells (Gc), along with the outer membrane sheath (OM). The granular appearance of the venom toxin (V) can be clearly seen surrounding the glandular venom cells. The Basal groove (BG) outer edge can also be seen.

Bromophenol blue. X400

A photomicrograph of the venom gland in the basal groove at the Opercular spine of the lesser weever (T.vipera). The venom gland is in the centre of the picture surrounded by the edge of the basal groove. Bromophenol blue. Mag x160

A photomicrograph of the glandular cells of T.vipera. The cells are the large round cells in the centre of the photograph surrounded by the cellular contents of other glandular cells that have burst during preparation.

Bromophenol Blue stain, Mag x400

A Micrograph of the venom cells contained within the venom gland of T.vipera, showing the various globular shapes of the cells. Surrounded by the cellular contents of other cells within the gland structure.

Bromophenol Blue. Mag x400

A photomicrograph of the venom gland (D) contained within the basal groove (C) and surrounded by the outer membrane (A). The glandular appearance of the venom toxin can be clearly seen (B), this toxin may have been leaked by the glandular cells damaged during preparation, or alternately the cells could be surrounded by the toxin as part of their normal function.

Bromophenol blue. x200.