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Ultrastructure of an integumental organ with probable sensory function in Paragordius varius (nematomorpha)
Author(s) -
SchmidtRhaesa Andreas
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/j.0001-7272.2004.00153.x
Subject(s) - biology , anatomy , epidermis (zoology) , ultrastructure , cuticle (hair) , sensory system , arthropod cuticle , integumentary system , cilium , microtubule , granular layer , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , neuroscience , insect , cerebellum
The cuticle of late parasitic stages of Paragordius varius (Leidy, 1851) is composed of a layer with large fibres and a second layer (often named the areolar layer) distal from it. In this paper, organs are described that start at the basal side of the epidermis, pass the epidermis and the fibrous layer of the cuticle and merge with large, cushion‐like structures in the distal layer of the cuticle. The epidermal part of the organs is composed of darkly stained cells, which are probably in contact with the basi‐epidermal nervous system. Up to four processes of this cell traverse the cuticle. These processes might include cilia, because they contain microtubule‐like structures. The probable connection to nerve cells and the connection to the cushion‐like structures in the outer cuticular layer make it likely that the organs described here are sensory in function.