The nervous system in the hypostome of Pelmatohydra robusta : The presence of a circumhypostomal nerve ring in the epidermis

Two types of nerve cells, sensory and ganglion cells, were identified in the epidermis of the hypostome of Pelmatohydra robusta by light and electron microscopy. In the study of distribution of these cells, the presence of a circumhypostomal nerve ring in the epidermis was revealed, although hydras have been considered to possess only a diffuse nervous system or socalled nerve net. The nerve ring, which encircled the hypostome, was constituted by several clusters of ganglion cells, thick bundles of many neurites connecting these clusters, and a small number of individual ganglion cells located along the bundles. In the nerve ring, some of the lamellae protruding from the ganglion cells were frequently myelinated and wrapped the cell bodies of neighboring ganglion cells, and other lamellae were arranged in concentric circles.