THE ARTERIAL SYSTEM OF SIX SPECIES OF TERRESTRIAL SLUG

By injections of dye solutions and plastics into the heart of six species of slug, the arterial system was visualized. The rich arterial supply of the hepatopancreas, lips and foot reflects their high metabolic activity. The vessel distribution in the head region was very similar for all species studied. The three species of limacids show a remarkable degree of vessel fusion compared to the Arionidae examined. The close similarity of the arterial systems studied with those reported for other stylommatophoran snails and slugs is discussed as are the relationships with the arterial systems of Basommatophora.