P. S. MacGillivray, E.J.
Anderson, G.M. Wright and M.E. DeMont (1999). Structure and mechanics of
the squid mantle. J. Exp. Biol. 202, 683-695.
Summary
The goal of this study
was to obtain a complete description of the mantle tissue elastic modulus
and hysteresis of the mantle tissue of the squid Loligo pealei over
the entire functional region of the mantle. In addition, in vivo
strains were measured to allow calculation of the amount of energy stored
and returned in each region of the mantle studied and microscopic analysis
of the tissue was carried out with the aim of correlating macroscopic properties
with microscopic structure. Results of dynamic tissue tests indicate
that mean elastic moduli for each of the 35 mantle positions tested ranged
from 5.0 x 105 to 1.2 x 106 N/m2.
The elastic modulus varied within a narrow range, in no predictable manner.
Mean hysteresis values for each position varied from 19.7% to 27.2% with
no discernible patterns found either around or along the mantle.
In vivo mantle strains peaked in the middle of the mantle and declined
towards both ends and the absolute strains increased with increasing swimming
velocity. Energy storage calculations showed the most energy being
stored in the middle of the mantle, with an increase in storage with increased
swimming velocity. Microscopic tissue analysis found direct correlations
between macroscopic properties and microscopic characteristics, and electron
microscopical analysis of all three types of intramuscular fibres revealed
that all three types are collagenous in nature.
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Edwin DeMont, Associate Professor
Biology Department, St. Francis Xavier University
P.O. Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5 Canada
Voice 902-867-5116 FAX 902-867-2389
edemont@stfx.ca - February 25, 1999