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The ultrastructure of the pseudohaptoral squamodiscs of Diplectanum aequans (Monogenea)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
Summary
The ultrastructure of the pseudohaptoral squamodiscs of the monogenean Diplectanum aequans is described. The most prominent feature of the squamodisc is the presence of epidermally-embedded spines which are covered by the outer epidermal membrane. These spines, which are ‘hollow’, are composed of a moderately electron-dense material with denser fibrils embedded within it. The squamodisc epidermis is similar in appearance to the haptor epidermis, with the exception of the epidermis ‘inside’ the spines. Here the epidermis contains free ribosomes and stacks of alternating electron-lucent/electron-dense, membrane-bound sacs. The arrangement of the musculature of the spines is described. The free, prehensile, edges of the squamodiscs contain numerous radially orientated nerves, some of which are assumed to be mechano-receptors.
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981
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