On the structure of the Z pseudo-organ in Xiphinema diversicaudatum

The structure of the Z pseudo-organ in Xiphinema diversicaudatum consists of a muscular mass of about 80 cells arranged in rings of four cells each. These cells have peripheral nuclei and are connected with a glandular monolayered epithelium, which lines the lumen of the Z pseudo-organ. Globular bodies originate from the membranes of the epithelial tissue. They consist of a series of closed vesicles containing secretions, and of tubules through which the secretions flow into the lumen. The globular bodies have a helicoidal distribution within the lumen of the Z pseudo-organ which presumably slows the passage of the egg. Enzymatic digestion, in vivo, indicates that the secretion consists of acid and basic proteins involved in egg shell formation.