A putative new hydrostatic skeletal function for the epidermis in Monhysterids (Nematoda).
The ultrastructure of the epidermis of two Monhysterid nematodes (Geomonhystera disjuncta and Diplolaimella dievengatensis) is studied in detail. The epidermis is composed of discrete uninucleated cells. The cytoplasmic layer of the epidermis between the cuticle and the somatic muscles is very thin and contains bundles of filaments that attach the muscles to the cuticle. The epidermal chords are voluminous and contain the nuclei and most of the cell organelles. In the chords many large electron-transparent vacuoles are found. It is hypothesized that these vacuoles fulfill a function as a compartmentalised hydrostatic skeleton.
Van De Velde
M C
MC
Rijksuniversiteit Gent, Instituut voor Dierkunde, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium.
Coomans
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