Subsurface Musculature of Spiny-Headed Worms (Acanthocephala) and Its Role in Formation of Intercellular Matrix

Published and original data on the organization and ultrastructure of the subsurface (cutaneous) musculature, basal plate, and intercellular matrix of acanthocephalans (spiny-headed worms) were analyzed and reviewed. Similar to flatworms, the basal plate and the intercellular matrix of acanthocephalans proved to be derived from the cutaneous musculature. Specific structure of acanthocephalan cutaneous muscles (the lacunar system, nuclear secretion, specific block arrangement of myofilaments, etc.) allows us to consider it as a special kind of smooth muscle tissue.