Rhabdomere

Pronunciation
/ra-bdo-meer/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Rhabdomere
Plural
Rhabdomeres

Definition

The part of a retinular cell in an ommatidium of an arthropod compound eye that contains the light-sensitive rhodopsin. The rhabdomere membrane is formed into microvilli.

Etymology

Example

The rhabdomeres in the compound eyes of insects are arranged in a hexagonal pattern.

Related Terms

  • Rhodopsin
  • Ommatidium
  • Compound Eye