rhabdom

A rodlike structure in the center of each ommatidium in the compound eye of an arthropod, composed of microvilli extending from the surrounding retinular cells.

In entomology, a special structure in the eye, consisting of a concrescence of the rods developed on the cells of the retina, when these cells are themselves united in a retinula.

One of numerous minute rodlike structures formed of two or more cells situated behind the retinulæ in the compound eyes of insects, etc. See Illust. under ommatidium.

Any of the rods that support each ommatidium in the compound eye of arthropods.