The Fine Structure of the Testis of a Lancelet (=Amphioxus), Branchiostoma floridae (Phylum Chordata: Subphylum Cephalochordata= Acrania)

The germinal and non-germinal cells of the ripe lancelet testis are described by transmission electron microscopy. The visceral peritoneum of the testis is composed of myoepithelial cells, and the haemal layer consists of regions of narrow sinuses and conspicuously thicker blood vessels filled with blood plasma and bounded by basal laminae. Within the germinal epithelium and the testicular lumen, the non-germinal cells, which are not abundant, contain conspicuous lysosomes and mitochondria with tubular cristae, indicating that they may be involved in steroid synthesis. In the ripe testis, the non-germinal cells do not appear to be organized into a blood-testis barrier. Ail types of spermatogenic cells may be flagellated and are joined in small groups by intercellular bridges. During differentiation of the spermatids, the Golgi complex is associated with formation of the acrosomal vesicle near the posterior pole of the cell. A remarkable feature is the dual origin of the subacrosomal material: one component originates at the posterior end of the spermatid, and the other at the anterior end. Subsequently, the two components merge into one after the acrosomal vesicle has migrated to its definitive anterior position in the mature spermatozoon.