Ultrastructure of the scolex of Orygmatobothrium schmittii (Cestoda: Phyllobothriidea) |
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| Authors: | Leonardo Damian Mutti Verónica A Ivanov |
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| Institution: | 1. Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Crecimiento y Nutrición de Crustáceos Decápodos, Buenos Aires, Argentina;2. CONICET– Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina |
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| Abstract: | The ultrastructure of the scolex of Orygmatobothrium schmittii (Cestoda: Phyllobothriidae) was studied using histochemistry, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The central bothridial structure resulted in a glandulomuscular organ formed by a mass of syncytial glands and radial muscles, with glycoprotein secretions potentially adhesive. Among the sensory receptors found on the scolex, a particular type was found surrounding the glandulomuscular organ, which might be related in the regulation of the secretions. The internal structure of the microtriches revealed a diversity of configurations according to their morphotype and distribution on the scolex. Microtriches with larger caps are thought to be useful for attachment purposes. In addition, the thick bounding membranes of the attachment organs and the circular musculature in the bothridia, seem to aid to the attachment of the scolex to the mucosa of the host. |
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| Keywords: | histochemistry microtriches scolex glands sensory receptors |
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