Below are same examples of the photographs taken during the project on the Venom gland of the Weeverfish (Trachinus vipera). For further examples click on the links on the left or the photographs themselves.
A scanning electron Micrograph of part of the Opercular spine of the Lesser weever (T.vipera). The photo shows part of the spine which was damaged during preparation exposing the internal structure of the spine. The spine is made up of layers rather like the structure of a laminated board.
A Photomicrograph of the venom gland in the basal groove of the opercular spine of the lesser weever. 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 venom cells contained within the venom gland. The granular appearance of the toxin can be clearly seen surrounding the individual cells. Bromophenol blue x400
A photomicrograph of an individual venom gland cell. Note the large globular shape and the grained appearance of the cellular content.
Bromophenol blue. x1000 (Oil Emerson)
A photomicrograph showing the outer membrane of the venom gland.
Bromophenol Blue x1000 (Oil emersion)
Other pages of interest.
