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Ultrastructure of the ventral sucker of Schistosoma mansoni cercaria
Author(s) -
Cousin Carolyn,
Dorsey Charles,
Kennedy Veda,
Ofori Kwame
Publication year - 1995
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.1052230209
Subject(s) - sucker , viral tegument , biology , anatomy , ultrastructure , major duodenal papilla , schistosoma mansoni , connective tissue , sensory system , neuroscience , helminths , zoology , genetics , virology , schistosomiasis
The ventral sucker of Schistosoma mansoni cercaria is a cupshaped structure that is attached to the ventral surface of the organism by a homogeneous connective tissue that surrounds the acetabular glands. The sucker consists of an extensive complex of circular and longitudinal muscles. The longitudinal muscles extend outwoard in a radial pattern to form the cup of the organ. Intermingled with the muscles are nerve bundles and subtegumental cells (cytons). Dendritic nerve fibers connect to sensory papillae which are found on the surface tegument. Two types of sensory papillae are present: a commonly found unsheathed uniciliated papilla, and a previously unidentified tegumental encapsulated structure. Tegument with spines covers the ventral sucker, although the tegumental encapsulated sensory papilla lacks spines. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.