Ultrastructure of Adult Gonads and Development and Structure of the Larva of Rhabdopleura normani (Hemichordata: Pterobranchia)

Sexually mature adults, embryos and larvae of the pterobranch Rhabdopleura normani from Bermuda were studied with light and electron microscopy. The sexes are separate among the zooids of a colony, but a given colony may contain females and males. In zooids of either sex the single gonad is associated with a large haemal sinus in the trunk sac and is displaced laterally (to the right or to the left). The wall of the gonad is composed of three layers: an outer metasomal peritoneum, an internal lining of germinal epithelium and an intervening genital haemal sinus. The mature gametes lie in the lumen within the gonad. The spermatozoon is characterized by an elongate nucleus, no obvious acrosome, a long mitochondrial filament in a midpiece appendix and a single flagellum with a 9+2 axoneme. Females brood 200 μm eggs and embryos in their distinctive, basally coiled tubes. The yolky eggs undergo radial cleavage and develop into ciliated, lecithotrophic, oblong larvae (400 μm in length) that are characterized by: (1) yellow coloration peppered with black pigment spots; (2) a deep ventral depression; (3) a posterior adhesive organ; (4) an anterior apical sensory organ; (5) an evenly ciliated epitdermis. The ventral depression is not invaginating endoderm, but is instead a glandular epithelium that evidently secretes the larval cocoon and the adult tube. Internally, the peritoneum of the coelomic cavities begins to split from the periphery of a large, central mass of yolky mesenchyme cells. The larva swims using cilia, but also undergoes contractions, evidently powered by the peritoneal cells, which constitute a myoepithelium. The discussion considers pterobranch affinities with other deuterostomes and with lophophorates.     

东方扁虾精子的超微结构

利用电镜研究了东方扁虾（Ｔｈｅｎｕｓ ｏｒｉｅｎｔａｌｉｓ）精子的形态和结构。精子由核、膜复合物区和顶体区３部分组成。核内含非浓缩的染色质、微管及细纤维丝,外被核膜;５～６条辐射臂自核部位伸出,臂内充满微管。膜复合物区位于核与顶体之间,由许多膜片层结构及其衍生的囊泡共同组成。顶体区由顶体囊和围顶体物质组成,顶体结构复杂,由顶体帽、内顶体物质和外顶体物质等构成;围顶体物质呈细颗粒状,主要分布于顶体囊     

Fine structure of the spermatozoon of Marthasterias glacialis (Linnaeus) (Echinodermata; Asteroidea), with special reference to acrosomal morphology

The sperm of Marthasterias glacialis (Linnaeus) was studied by light and electron microscopy. It is a long uniflagellated cell of the “primitive” type. The head has a spherical shape and contains a nucleus with a spheroid acrosome lying in a cup-shaped anterior fossa. The acrosome is formed by an acrosomal vesicle surrounded by the periacrosomal material. The basal specializations of the acrosomal vesicle show a clear differentiation of its constituents resembling the structure of membrane. The midpiece contains a very large annular mitochondrion which encircles two perpendicular centrioles. The distal centriole is in close association with a pericentriolar radial complex. The tail, containing a common microtubular axoneme, is projected to a variable position.     

Ultrastructure of Euspermiogenesis in the Mesogastropod Stenothyra sp. (Prosobranchia, Rissoacea, Stenothyridae)

The structure of mature and developing euspermatozoa of the rissoacean gastropod Stenothyra sp. has been studied using transmission electron microscopy. During cuspermiogenesis nuclei pass through fibrillar and lamellar phases of condensation. A Golgi-derived acrosome attaches to the nucleus during the fibrillar phase. Spherical mitochondria of early euspermatids fuse to form the mitochondrial sheath which undergoes metamorphosis to form helical midpiece elements, paracrystalline material and helical midpiece compartments. Mature euspermatozoa consist of a flat acrosome (acrosomal cone, axial rod, basal plate), short curved nucleus (2.5–2.8 μm) and elongate midpiece and glycogen piece. Coarse fibres associated with the axoneme emerge from a posterior invagination of the nucleus and continue into the initial portion of the midpiece. In the proximal portion of the midpiece, two helical compartments (filled with membranous material) are present—only one of which persists further posteriorly. No compartments occur in the distal region of the midpiece. Posterior to the midpiece, the axoneme is surrounded by tightly-packed (glycogen) granules and terminates within this region. The distal end of the euspermatozoon consists solely of glycogen granules surrounded by the plasma membrane. Although coarse fibres (associated with the axoneme), midpiece paracrystalline material and helical compartments are commonly reported in sperm of euthyneuran gastropods, this represents the first report of all three features in any prosobranch euspermatozoon.     

The Spermatozoa of the Holothuroidea (Echinodermata): an Ultrastructural Review with Data on two Australian Species and Phylogenetic Discussion

Holothuroidea, like the Crinoidea, Asteroidea and Ophiuroidea have aquatic sperm with a subspherical nucleus in which is embedded a subspherical acrosome and its surrounding periacrosomal material. A ring-shaped mitochondrion behind the nucleus surrounds two centrioles from the distal of which a 9 + 2 axoneme arises. The term "echinosperm" is proposed for this sperm type. Holothuroid echinosperm are characterized by anterior constriction of the periacrosomal fossa; a rounded posterior limit to the acrosome; absence of a distinct subacrosomal depression; outgrowth of a flagellar rootlet from the proximal centriole, of which vestigial homologues are known only in one crinoid and one echinoid. Modified sperm, though not greatly divergent from the echinosperm, are known in two holothuroids and one crinoid. The sperm of echinoids, which are not referable to the echinosperm, are considered plesiomorphic in failure of the acrosome to become embedded in the nucleus (a feature retained from an ancestry shared with enteropneusts), but apomorphic in the conical form of the nucleus and development of spine-like structures around the anterior rim of the nucleus. Spermatozoa1 data suggest that the holothuroid-crinozoan-asterozoan assemblage is the sister group of the Echinoidea. Inclusion of holothuroids in the Echinozoa is not supported.     

Ultrastructure of the unusual spermatozoon of the Eurasian bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

The Eurasian bullfinch spermatozoon differs from typical passeridan spermatozoa in several major respects. The mature acrosome consists of a concavo‐convex vesicle differing from the typical passeridan acrosome, which is a helical structure, is usually longer than the nucleus and has a prominent helical keel. The nucleus differs from that of other oscines in not showing a twisted cylindrical form, in being shorter, and in tending to be an elongate ellipsoid in shape. The chromatin often appears in an uncondensed form reminiscent of a spermatid and consists of discrete fascicles. A small proportion of the mature sperm population however, is characterized by marked chromatin condensation. The midpiece comprises a small group of mitochondria clustered around the nuclear–axonemal junction in contrast to the single, long mitochondrion wound helically around the axoneme that is found in typical Passerida. The presence of a proximal centriole (in addition to the distal one) is a notable difference from all other oscine passerines. We suggest that the unusual morphology of the Eurasian bullfinch spermatozoon, resembling that of a spermatid, is the result of the progressive suppression of the final stages of spermiogenesis and is associated with the likelihood that sperm competition is infrequent in this species.     

An ultrastructural analysis of the mature spermatozoon of Anguispira alternata (say) (pulmonata,stylommatophora)

Mature spermatozoa from the hermaphroditic duct of adult snails were examined using various techniques of light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The sperm are approximately 557 μm in length including a dextrally spiral head approximately 13 μm long. The head consists of an electron-dense nucleus sculptured into a double-ridged spiral and an acrosome projecting approximately 0.45 μm beyond the apex of the nucleus. The acrosome consists of a membrane-bound vesicle approximately 0.1 μm in diameter and a column of homogeneous material which extends along one side of the terminal spiral of the nucleus. This material is separated from the nucleus by the nuclear envelope. The neck region, though similar to that found in other pulmonates, possesses a unique coiled structure surrounding the central doublet of the axoneme. The midpiece axoneme possesses a 9+9+2 configuration anteriorly grading into a 9+2 pattern for the majority of its length. There are three mitochondrial helices – one primary and two secondary – in the midpiece. Only the primary helix persists throughout the midpiece.     

The fine structure of the sperm of a holothurian and an ophiuroid

The fine structure of the mature sperm of the holothurian, Cucumaria miniata, and the ophiuroid, Ophiopholis aculeata, is described with particular reference to their acrosomal and centriolar satellite complexes, and compared to the sperm of other echinoderms. In Cucumaria, the acrosome is in the form of a diffuse acrosomal vesicle. It is unusual in that it apparently lacks an acrosomal membrane. A membrane separating the acrosomal vesicle from the periacrosomal material may not be equivalent to a typical inner acrosomal membrane. In Ophiopholis, the acrosome is dense, with some internal substructure, and is enclosed by a complete acrosomal membrane. In both species, the acrosome is partially surrounded by an amorphous periacrosomal mass. There is a notable absence of a subacrosomal depression and associated structures as found in other echinoderm sperm. The centriolar satellite complex (CSC) is essentially identical in both species. A reconstruction of the CSC is presented. The CSC consists of nine satellites radiating angularly from the distal centriole, each bifurcating at a dense node before inserting on a marginal ring containing circumferential microtubules. The ring is probably a cytoskeletal element. Immediately below the satellites are nine Y-shaped connectives. connecting each of the axonemal alpha doublets to the flagellar membrane.     

大熊猫精子获能和顶体反应过程中钙分布变化规律的研究

应用焦锑酸钾原位定位法对大熊猫精子获能和顶体反应过程中进行钙定位研究,发现未获能精子的 Ｃａ２＋主要结合于顶体前区和赤道段质膜外侧和顶体内膜内侧（核膜侧）;随着获能的进行,Ｃａ２＋进入精子内部并主要结合于顶体区质膜内侧和顶体外膜外侧;顶体反应的精子,Ｃａ２＋结合于顶体内膜外侧、顶体后区质膜外侧和分散存在于释放的顶体内容物中,有些顶体反应精子的顶体内膜外侧结合的Ｃａ２＋特别丰富。精子尾部的Ｃａ２＋主要分布于中段线粒体内,且其内所含Ｃａ２＋含量随着获能和顶体反应而增加。另外尾部致密纤维和轴丝处也有少量Ｃａ２＋分布。     

A reevaluation of the fertilizin hypothesis of sperm agglutination and the description of a novel form of sperm adhesion

The classical isoagglutination of sea urchin sperm by egg jelly is not an agglutination of cells, as proposed by the fertilizin-antifertilizin hypothesis. Sperm motility is required to obtain the isoagglutination of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus sperm, and the sperm do not adhere to each other in the isoagglutination clusters, which cannot be fixed for microscopy and which disperse rapidly into individual cells when sperm motility is inhibited. These observations suggest that isoagglutination is the swarming of freely moving sperm to a common focus and is quite distinct from the agglutination of sperm by known crosslinking agents (antibodies or lectins).A previously unrecognized form of sperm agglutination is described which follows induction of an acrosome reaction by egg jelly, ammonia, or the ionophore A23187 in a suspension of sea urchin or sand dollar sperm. The sperm form rosettes of up to 100 cells in which the newly extended acrosomal processes adhere to each other. Rosettes can form containing sperm of different species, in which the acrosomal processes adhere without species preference.As observed by transmission electron microscopy, the acrosomal process of Lytechinus pictus sperm consists of an acrosomal tubule covered by a sheath of extracellular material. Rosette formation results from attachment between the extracellular materials of adjacent sperm.Less frequently, the acrosomal process of one sperm adheres to the midpiece of another by fusion of the acrosomal tubule and midpiece plasma membranes.     

Ultrastructure of sperm development and mature sperm morphology in three species of commensal bivalves (Mollusca: Galeommatoidea)

Ultrastructural features of the ovotestes, spermatogenesis, and the mature sperm are described for three galeommatid bivalves, Divariscintilla yoyo, Divariscintilla troglodytes, and Scintilla sp., from stomatopod burrows in eastern Florida. All three species yielded similar results except with respect to mature sperm dimensions. The ovotestis contains three types of somatic cells within the testicular portion: flattened myoepithelial cells defining the outer acinal wall; underlying pleomorphic follicle cells containing abundant glycogen deposits; and scattered, amoeboid cells containing lysosomal-like inclusions which are closely associated with developing sperm. Early spermatogenesis is typical of that reported from other bivalves. In contrast, the late stages of spermiogenesis involve the migration and gradual rotation of the acrosomal vesicle, resulting in a mature acrosome tilted about 70° from the long axis of the cell. The mature sperm possesses an elongated, slightly curved nucleus; a subterminal, concave acrosome with a nipple-like central projection; five spherical mitochondria and two centnoles in the middlepiece; and a long flagellum. The rotational asymmetry and the presence of perimitochondrial glycogen deposits in these sperm are unusual in the Bivalvia and may be associated with fertilization specializations and larval brooding common among galeommatoideans.     

ROLE OF THE GAMETE MEMBRANES IN FERTILIZATION IN SACCOGLOSSUS KOWALEVSKII (ENTEROPNEUSTA) : II. Zygote Formation by Gamete Membrane Fusion

An earlier paper showed that in Saccoglossus the acrosomal tubule makes contact with the egg plasma membrane. The present paper includes evidence that the sperm and egg plasma membranes fuse to establish the single continuous zygote membrane which, consequently, is a mosaic. Contrary to the general hypothesis of Tyler, pinocytosis or phagocytosis plays no role in zygote formation. Contact between the gametes is actually between two newly exposed surfaces: in the spermatozoon, the surface was formerly the interior of the acrosomal vesicle; in the egg, it was membrane previously covered by the egg envelopes. The concept that all the events of fertilization are mediated by a fertilizin-antifertilizin reaction seems an oversimplification of events actually observed: rather, the evidence indicates that a series of specific biochemical interactions probably would be involved. Gamete membrane fusion permits sperm periacrosomal material to meet the egg cytoplasm; if an activating substance exists in the spermatozoon it probably is periacrosomal rather than acrosomal in origin. The contents of the acrosome are expended in the process of delivering the sperm plasma membrane to the egg plasma membrane. After these membranes coalesce, the sperm nucleus and other internal sperm structures move into the egg cytoplasm.     

Ultrastructure of Sperm in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mercenaria stimpsoni</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mactra chinensis</Emphasis> (Mollusca: Bivalvia) from the Sea of Japan

The ultrastructure of the sperm of the common bivalve species Mercenaria stimpsoni and Mactra chinensis from Peter the Great Bay is described. The sperm structure is typical for animals with external insemination. The sperm consists of a head, middle part, and flagellum. The sperm head of M. stimpsoni has a curved crescent form and includes the nucleus and acrosome; the head length is 9.8 μm. The acrosome is subdivided to the acrosome granule and the periacrosomal material. There are 4 mitochondria of about 0.8 μm in size in the middle part of the spermatozoon. The mitochondria surround the centriolar apparatus, which consists of proximal and distal centrioles located at a right angle. The axoneme originates from the distal centriole. The sperm of M. chinensis is barrel-shaped, with a head length of 3.2 μm. The acrosome is relatively larger, and its height is 1–1.2 μm. There are also 4 mitochondria 0.6–0.8 μm in the middle part of the spermatozoon. The sperm structure of the described species is typical of the families to which the mollusks belong, with insignificant variations.     

Fine structure of an elongated dorso-ventrally compressed echinoderm (holothuroidea) spermatozoon

The spermatozoon of Cucumaria pseudocurata is unique among those of the echinoderms in that it is tabloid in shape, i.e., elongated and dorsoventrally compressed. The sperm consists of a dorsal surface which contains an extensive striated rootlet-like structure located within a dorsal groove and a ventral surface which contains a medially situated acrosome. A single mitochondrion lies at the base of the nucleus. The flagellum is unusual in that a 9 + 3 tubular arrangement is observed in the mid-tail region. The acrosome consists of an acrosomal granule bounded by a limiting membrane and a surrounding periacrosomal layer. The granule is irregular in shape with the anterior-posterior surfaces flaring out, forming pockets in the periacrosomal material. The ventral granule surface bulges forming a close association with the plasma membrane. The dorsal surface is indented. Ventral to the depression (within the granule) is a small area containing a particulate-fibrous material. To the inside of the granule limiting membrane there is a second membrane-like structure (incomplete) which extends from the anterior-posterior surfaces around the dorsal face of the granule. Dorso-medial to the granule the periacrosomal layer contains a particulate-fibrous region lodged within the granule depression. This material is presumably the precursor of the acrosomal filament. Prominent cytoplasmic folds extend off from the basal flagellar region. The proximal and distal centrioles are situated perpendicular to one another within the mitochondrion. Centriolar satellite materials are associated with both centrioles. Toward the base of the tail the satellite of the distal centriole consists of nine radiating arms extending at an angle of 45° to the axis of the centriole. Each arm terminates in a dense thickening. The striated rootlet extends anteriorly from the distal centriole to just below the level of the acrosome.     

Spermatogenesis in the endosymbiont-bearing bivalve Loripes lucinalis (Veneroida: Lucinidae)

In the endosymbiont-bearing bivalve Loripes lucinalis, spermatogenesis is similar to that described for numerous bivalve species and leads to the formation of an aquasperm. The head and midpiece measure 10.5 ± 1.5 μm in length. The head is made up of a cylindrical nucleus slightly tapered apically and capped by a short conical acrosome. The nucleus lacks both an anterior and posterior nuclear invagination. The acrosome is 1.0 ± 0.1 μm long and consists of an acrosomal cone containing a diffuse subacrosomal material and an apical electron-lucent vacuole. There is no axial rod. The midpiece is made up of four mitochondrial spheres that surround the distal and proximal centrioles. The base of the distal centriole is joined to the plasmic membrane by the pericentriolar complex made up of nine radial arms. A cytoplasmic collar is observed that sheaths the flagellum as it emerges from the distal centriole. The spermatozoa present in mature acini are grouped into characteristic rings, which may have a nutritive function, with the acrosome oriented toward the centre of these ring formations. Also present within the gonad are somatic cells that seem to play a nutritive role in relation to the germinal cells. These nutritive cells undergo a cycle of development and lysis that corresponds to the spermatogenic cycle of the bivalve. These cells are large and rich in glycogen and lipid inclusions. In-depth examination of nutritive cells and gametes reveals that the male gonad is devoid of microorganisms in either a vegetative or cryptic form, suggesting that a vertical transmission through paternal gonadal inheritance is a very unlikely means of symbiont transmission in L. lucinalis. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Fine structural study of the acrosome formation in the starfish Marthasterias glacialis (Echinodermata, Asteroidea)

The fine structure of the spermatogenic cells in the starfish Marthasterias glacialis was studied regarding acrosome formation. The main finding in the spermatogenesis of M. glacialis is that the formation of the pro-acrosomal vesicles seems to be initiated in late spermatogonia. Small dense bodies resulting from the division of large granulofibrillar masses were also observed in the cytoplasm of late spermatogonia. During spermiogenesis the inner acrosomal vesicle membrane becomes coated first with dense materials originated from the cytoplasmic dense bodies and then with cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. Both coating materials are incorporated in the periacrosomal space of the mature acrosome. Besides being involved in the genesis of the periacrosomal material, cytoplasmic dense bodies were also seen in close relationship with intercellular bridges and midpiece structures of spermatids. These findings are discussed in comparison with other echinoderm spermatogenesis.     

Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and synthesis of enigmatic cytoplasmic inclusions in the spirally shaped spermatozoon of the polychaete Spio setosa (Annelida: Spionidae)

The sperm of Spio setosa (Polychaeta, Spionidae) are known to be very unusual in form; here, spermiogenesis and the structure of the spermatozoon in this species are described by transmission electron microscopy. While spermiogenesis is similar to that described for many other polychaetes, two notable exceptions to this process include the synthesis of abundant ring‐shaped and tubular, membrane‐bounded cytoplasmic inclusions in the midpiece, and the differentiation of a spirally shaped sperm head. Spermatids develop as free‐floating tetrads in the male's coelom. A microtubular manchette does not develop during chromatin condensation and nuclear elongation, and the spiral acrosome forms as a single Golgi‐derived vesicle that migrates anteriorly to become housed in a deep anterior nuclear fossa. Early in spermiogenesis, numerous Golgi‐derived, membrane‐bounded cytoplasmic inclusions appear in the cytoplasm; these ultimately occupy the sperm midpiece only. The mature spermatozoon in the male has a 15‐μm‐long head consisting of a nucleus coiled like a spring and a spiral acrosome with differentiated substructure, the posterior two thirds of which sits in an anterior nuclear fossa. The midpiece is wider than the rest of the spermatozoon and contains 9–10 spherical mitochondria surrounding the two centrioles, as well as numerous membrane‐bounded conoid and tubular cytoplasmic inclusions. The axoneme has a 9 + 2 arrangement of microtubules. By contrast, stored sperm in the female's seminal receptacles have lost the midpiece inclusions but contain an abundance of glycogen. The function of the midpiece inclusions remains unresolved, and the significance of their absence in stored sperm within the seminal receptacle and the appearance of midpiece glycogen stores remains unclear and requires additional investigation.     

An ultrastructural examination of developing and mature euspermatozoa in pyrazus ebeninus (Mollusca,Gastropoda, Potamididae)

Summary Mature and developing euspermatozoa of the prosobranch gastropod Pyrazus ebeninus, have been examined using transmission electron microscopy and phase-contrast light microscopy. The head of the mature euspermatozoon consists of a conical acrosome capping a short, rod-shaped nucleus (laterally compressed posteriorly). A basal invagination in the nucleus contains the proximal portion of the axoneme and a dense attachment matrix. Four apparently non-helical mitochondrial elements (two large, two small) comprise the midpiece each being composed of curved, inclined cristal plates and a granular matrix. The structure and arrangement of the mitochondrial elements is thus distinguishable from the helical midpiece elements found in euspermatozoa of neogastropods and most mesogastropods and possibly is widespread in the Cerithiacea. A dense ring-like structure is found closely applied to the inside of the plasma membrane at the junction of midpiece and glycogen piece.Acrosome and midpiece formation and nuclear condensation have been studied in developing euspermatozoa. Acrosome development is divided into two phases: (1) a pre-attachment phase — during which a complex early acrosome is formed often at great distance from the nuclear apex, and (2) an attachment/post-attachment phase — during which the completed preattachment phase acrosome tilts into position at the nuclear apex and subsequently elongates. The nucleus passes through a recognizable sequence of condensation phases (reticular, fibrillar and lamellar phases). Microtubules surround both the nucleus and midpiece in the final phase of maturation. The four, elongate midpiece elements of the mature euspermatozoon are apparently derived from the four large, spherical mitochondria of the euspermatid.The potential usefulness of spermatozoal ultrastructure with regard to indicating affinities between groups of gastropod families is briefly discussed.Abbreviations a acrosome - ac euspermatozoon acrosomal cone - ar euspermatozoon axial rod - ax axoneme - bp basal plate - cy cytoplasmic droplet - cs cylindrical support structures of developing acrosome - dg dense granule of pre-attachment phase developing acrosome - dp dense plates of developing acrosomal cone - g glycogen granules - gp glycogen piece - G Golgi complex - j junction of midpiece and glycogen piece - l large midpiece element - m mitochondrion - M midpiece - mt microtubules - n nucleus - pm plasma membrane - sGv small Golgi vesicles - s small midpiece element     

Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cristatella mucedo</Emphasis> Cuvier (Bryozoa: Phylactolaemata: Cristatellidae)

In Cristatella mucedo spermiogenesis occurs in a morula consisting of a large number of spermatids connected with a central cytophore. The mature sperm cell is filiform and consists of a head, a midpiece and a tail region, the latter two separated by a deep circular constriction. The comparatively short head contains a drop-shaped, bilaterally symmetrical and pointed nucleus capped by a minute acrosome. The single centriole is placed in a deep posterior invagination of the nucleus followed by the axoneme with the typical 9 + 2 pattern. The elongated midpiece is 0.9–1.1 μm thick and contains several helices of mitochondria surrounding the axoneme. The tail is thicker (1.3 μm) and richer in cytoplasm with many compact accumulations of an electron-dense substance lying peripherally and another less dense material wrapped around the axoneme. The course of the spermiogenesis and the fine structure of the sperm are very similar to that of Plumatella fungosa. Comparison with other species shows that the same sperm type is recognizable in four of the five families of Phylactolaemata and, provided it occurs also in the fifth family, the Stephanellidae, is a synapomorphy of the entire class.     

An Electron Microscopic Study of Spermatogenesis in Marenzelleria viridis (Verrill, 1873) (Polychaeta; Spionidae)

Abstract Spermatogenesis in Marenzelleria viridis was studied by ultrastructural investigation. The testes are formed on the greatly ramified nephridial blood vessel and are enveloped by a thin layer of peritoneal cells. The spermatogonia vary in shape, are about 10 μm in diameter and are not linked by intercellular bridges. Pairs or tetrads of spermatocytes connected by intercellular bridges float freely in the coelomic cavity. A complex acrosome is produced by a Golgi complex. The acrosome consists of four to five different structures, forms cisternae and, in the mature spermatozoon, lies deep in an invagination of the nucleus. Two centrioles are also situated in a deep centriolar fossa, the proximal centriole being perpendicular to the distal one. The mature spermatozoon is an ect-aquasperm measuring about 5 μm in length and 2.5 μm in width. The midpiece consists of five spherical mitochondria arranged around the axoneme behind the nucleus. The axoneme is connected to the plasma membrane by a satellite complex. The microtubules of the flagellum are arranged in a typical 9 × 2 + 2 configuration. The spermatogenesis and the sperm morphology of M. viridis were compared with those of other members of the family Spionidae. Copyright © 1996 The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.