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Morphological and ultrastructural aspects of Branchiobdella pentodonta Whit. (Annelida, oligochaeta) suckers
Author(s) -
Farnesi Rosalba M.,
Marinelli Marinella,
Tei Simonetta,
Vagnetti Daniela
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1051700206
Subject(s) - sucker , biology , ultrastructure , anatomy , oligochaeta (plant) , zoology
Abstract The muscular system in the posterior sucker of Branchiobdella pentodonta Whit. has circular, longitudinal and radial fibers. In the anterior sucker, which has circular and longitudinal fibers, the muscle system is scarce. Concentric fibers are found around the mouth. In both suckers the glandular elements form voluminous complexes secreting mucus for attachment to the substrate. Suckers show neuromuscular junctions and three distinct types of neuroglandular junctions: one with typical neurosecretory granules, one with larger neurosecretory granules produced by cells located at the origin of the segmental nerves, and one with presynaptic vesicles. The second type is peculiar to the posterior sucker. A comparison is made between suckers of Branchiobdella and those of leeches.