The fine structure of the axial organ of the feather star Nemaster rubiginosa (echinodermata: crinoidea).
The fine structure of all the constituent cell type of the crinoid axial organ is described (coelomic epithelial cells, muscles, free cells, gland cells and neurons) ; also described is the fine structure of the extracellular haemal fluid. The gland cells of the glandular tubules of the axial organ have the characteristic fine structure of protein exporting cells and may produce granular and filamentous components of the haemal fluid. The neurons (perikarya and axons) of the axial organ may possibly be neurosecretory, since they are filled with electron-dense granules. Homologies between the axial organs of different echinoderm classes are discussed.
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Division of Marine Biology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037.