AEN 201 – FUNDAMENTALS OF

ENTOMOLOGY – (2+1)

INSECT NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Introduction
• Structure of Neuron
• Classification of Neurons
• Classification of Insect Nervous
System
• Similarities and Differences
with Human Nervous System
• Importance of Nervous System

N.BHUVANESH
2021004014
 Insect Nervous System

Tritocerebrum
Introduction
• Co-ordination in behaviour, memory and intelligence
• Links the sense organs which respond to various external and internal stimuli
and the effector organs such as muscles, glands etc
• Elongated cell which carry the information in the form of electrical impulses is
neuron
Structure of a neuron
• Derived from ectoderm, consists of
1. a prominent nucleated cell body known as perikaryon (or) soma
2. an elongated cytoplasmic thin fibre called the ‘axon’
3. group of small branches called the ‘dendrites’
4. axon gives lateral branches called ‘collaterals’
Both the axon and collaterals end in fine fibrils known as terminal arborizations
Classification of neurons
I.Based on their structure
1.Unipolar / monopolar : Have a
single axon without collaterals
and dendrites
2.Biopolar : Have either
collaterals and dendrites in
addition to axon
3.Multipolar : Neurons have an
axon with several collaterals
and dendrites
ll.Based on function
1. Sensory / afferent : Present just beneath the integument and associated with
sensory organs. Carry impulses from sense organs to the central nervous system.
2. Motor / efferent neurons : Always unipolar / monopolar carry impulses from
central nervous system to the organs
3. Association / internuntial neurons : Associated in between sensory and motor
neurons, usually present in ganglia, consists of axons of sensory neurons and
soma of motor neurons. The transverse commissures are also formed with these
neurons
‘synapse’ - The neurons get connected by a link between the terminal arborizations
of axon of a neuron and dendrites of the soma of other neuron
• The terminal arborisation of sensory axon ends up into a tiny swelling called
synaptic knob
• Synaptic gap is approximately 1000A
Nervous system can be
grouped in to
1. Central nervous
system (CNS)
2. Visceral or
sympathetic nervous
system
3. Peripheral nervous
system
Central Nervous System
Central nervous system consist of brain, sub-oesophageal ganglion and ventral
nerve cord
Brain- Aggregation of neurons is called ganglion
• Dorsal ganglionic centre of the head supported by the tentorium
• Formed by the union of the ganglia of first 3 segments of the head
Protocerebrum: formed from ganglia of pre-antennary segment and
large It gives nerve connection to the compound eyes and ocelli
Deutocerebrum: from the ganglia of antennary segment and innervates
antenna
Tritocerebrum : ganglia of intercalary segment and is relatively small
Attached anteriorly to deutocerebrum and posteriorly to suboesophageal
ganglion
Sub-oesophageal ganglion:
ventral ganglionic centre of head formed by union of ganglia of gnathocephalic
segments
Innervates mouth parts, salivary ducts, cervical muscles in the neck and corpora allata
Ventral nerve cord (VNC):
• chain of ganglia connected by longitudinal connectives and transverse commissures
• In thorax, 3 ganglia, with nerve connections for legs, wings and general muscles
• In the abdomen, there are about 8 ganglia
• The first abdominal ganglia remain closed with that of the metathoracic ganglia
• Ganglia from 9th, 10th, & 11th abdominal segment form a composite ganglion
• The abdominal ganglia gives off nerves to the muscles of its segment
• The ultimate ganglia also passes nerves to anal cerci and ovipositor
2. Visceral / sympathetic Nervous System: divided in to three systems
(i) Oesophageal sympathetic / stomatogastric
• directly connected with the brain and dorsal in position
• supplies nerves to the foregut, midgut and heart
(ii) Ventral sympathetic
• Consist of a pair of transverse nerves that are connected with each ganglia of VNC
• supplies nerves to the spiracles of that particular segment
(iii) Caudal sympathetic
• Some additional nerves arises from posterior compound ganglion of VNC
• supply nerves for the posterior part of the gut and the reproductive system

3. Peripheral Nervous System:

It includes all the nerves coming from the ganglia of CNS and that of the visceral
nervous system
Similarities with Human Nervous System
• Basic Structure: Same fundamental building blocks - neurons and synapse
• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain or brain-like structure. Insects – simpler
structure -insect brain or supraesophageal ganglion (head). Humans – more
complex, housed within the skull responsible for higher cognitive functions
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• Sensory Organs: Insects - compound eyes, antennae, and sensory hairs. Humans -
eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin
• Sensory Processing: In the central nervous system
• Motor Control
• Reflexes
• Neurotransmitters: Acetylcholine and serotonin
Differences from Human Nervous System
• 1. Complexity: Humans have a complex nervous system with the large brain and
spinal cord while insects have a simplar ganglia
• 2. Brain Size: Insects have smaller brains relative to their body size, while the human
brain is proportionally larger and more developed
• 3. Ganglia and Nerve Cords: Insects have a segmented nervous system with a series
of ganglia (nerve clusters) and nerve cords running along their body, controlling
various functions. In contrast, humans have a centralized nervous system with the
brain and spinal cord as the main control centers
• 4. Sensory Organs
• 5. Reflexes: Insects – less developed nervous system - simpler reflex actions;
Humans – higher neural complexity - more intricate reflexes
• 6. Cognition: Human brains - advanced cognitive processes, such as reasoning,
problem-solving, and abstract thinking not in the insect Nervous system
Importance of Nervous system in Insects
1. Sensory Perception
2. Motor Control
3. Reflex responses
4. Innate behaviour: Courtship rituals of Fireflies
5. Communication: Waggle dance of Honeybees
 THANK YOU !

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