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Unusual membranous network with spines in the uterus of Xiphinema coomansi (Nematoda: Longidoridae)
Author(s) -
de Kruger Johan C. W.,
Heyns Juan
Publication year - 1991
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.1052090103
Subject(s) - biology , uterus , ultrastructure , anatomy , lumen (anatomy) , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
An ultrastructural study of the uterus of Xiphinema coomansi reveal that the numerous uterine spines present in this species are not anchored to the inner wall of the tubular uterus, but are symmetrically arranged and attached in a membranous network suspended throughout the entire length of the uterus. The spines are solid, hexagonal structures enveloped and connected in tri‐radial fashion to each other, as well as to the inner uterine wall by a continuous thin undulating membrane. The network membrane thus formed encloses numerous compartments on the luminal side of the uterus, which seems to create a type of barrier between the plicated uterine wall and a rather constricted central lumen. No such membranous intrauterine network has been reported previously in the reproductive system of nematodes.