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Schistosoma mansoni: the ultrastructure of the ducts of the male reproductive system.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

Olubunmi A. Otubanjo
Olubunmi A. Otubanjo
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University College, Cardiff
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Summary

The reproductive duct of the male blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni is relatively short and undulating, extending from the most posterior testis to the beginning of the gynecophoric canal. The reproductive duct may be divided into 3 main regions which differ in ultrastructure; the vas efferens/deferens, the seminal vesicle and the cirrus tube. The epithelium of the vas efferens/deferens consists of a single layer of elongate cells with abundant convoluted lamellae on their apical surfaces. The wall of the seminal vesicle and the cirrus tube are tegumentary in nature. The basic similarities in structure of the surface tegument, the seminal vesicle and the cirrus tube suggest a common embryological origin. The presence of complex lamellae on the luminal surface suggests that the vas efferens and deferens have secretory and possibly nutritive functions apart from temporarily storing developing germ cells. The primary function of the seminal vesicle appears to be that of sperm storage; while the cirrus tube with its complex infolded wall is extensible for insemination. The presence of abundant concentrically distributed sensory papillae around the male genital pore may assist in the pairing of males and females.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 81 , Issue 3 , December 1980 , pp. 565 - 571
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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References

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