The scanning electron microscopy of scolices in a case of hydatid cyst from human liver.
The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) features of hydatid scolices from a case of hydatid disease of the liver are described. The scolex when fully everted has a double circle of hooklets which occupy a large area of the parasite. The hooklets are inserted into the rostellum with one row of hooklets overlapping the other. Each hooklet is about 20 to 40 um long, has a basic round structure sharp at the distal end and broadens as it curves towards the point of insertion at the rostellum, where 2 blunt projections correspond to the 2 annular bundles of muscle fibres at the orifice of the scolex. The function of the hooklets is not fully understood but they are possibly used for anchorage and/or for the purpose of propulsion in a fluid medium by the act of invagination and evagination of the hooklets.
Warren
B A
BA
Department of Anatomical Pathology, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney.
Yong
J L
JL
Chauvin
W J
WJ
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D004444:Echinococcosis, Hepatic / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology*; D004446:Echinococcus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning