The morphology of tissue channels in muscle and neural tissues ofOctopuswas investigated, at the ultrastructural level, with a technique involving the precipitation of ferrocyanide ions. The numbers, sizes and conductivities of the channels were estimated from quantitative data. No evidence was gained to indicate that the low microvascular density inOctopusis coupled to an especially extensive network of extravascular channels. The tissue channel system inOctopusappears to be broadly comparable with the mammalian system; a lack of information prevents more appropriate comparisons with marine fishes. Probable functions of tissue channels inOctopusand mammals, and reasons for apparent similarities and differences in the channel organization of these divergent groups, are discussed.
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