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The ultrastructure of the scolex–neck syncytium, neck cells and frontal gland cells of Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Caryophyllidea: Cestoda)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
Summary
The syncytium of the scolex and neck regions of Caryophyllaeus laticeps differs from that of the remainder of the body in a number of ways. The microtriches have short shafts and lamellated spines and the surface cytoplasm is characterized by numerous elongated granules, occasional lipid-like bodies and, in the scolex region, is penetrated by ducts from the frontal glands. The elongated granules arise from the tegumentary neck cells and pass into the syncytium via narrow cell processes possessing extensions of the neck cell microtubule system. The granules have a peripheral sub-structure of regularly spaced electron-lucent areas. Evidence suggests that the granular material becomes more diffuse before extrusion. The spherical, lipid-like bodies also arise from the neck cells, but extrusion from the syncytium was not observed. Homology of the neck cells with the tegumentary cells of the rest of the body is discussed. The frontal glands are restricted to the scolex apex and secrete spherical or sub-spherical, homogeneous granules. The cells, with microtubule-lined ducts, open to the surface via pores which possess an electron-dense ring at which point the microtubule system terminates. Sensory bulbs are also present and will be described in a subsequent communication. The inter-relationships of the gland distribution, scolex morphology and host pathology are discussed.
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981
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