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Scanning electron microscopic studies of the body surface and external genitalia of a dicrocoeliid trematode,Concinnum epomopis Sandground 1973

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Abstract

A detailed study of the surface topography ofConcinnum epomopis (Dicrocoeliidae) was carried out with a scanning electron microscope. The ultrastructural observations demonstrate the absence of spines on the body surface; however, the tegument is complex, exhibiting distinct, minute, lateral undulations, predominantly on the ventral side. The pattern of the tegumentary lamellae in different regions of the body is described. Two types of sensory papillae, the pit-type and the aciliate dome-type exhibit a uniform and distinct pattern of distribution on the surface of the worm. The pit-type is limited to the ventral depression anterior to the oral sucker. The pre-acetabular ventral genital opening, the posterior terminal excretory pore and pre-equatorial opening of the Laurer's canal are devoid of structural specialization and sensory papillae. The cylindrical, everted cirrus is covered with anastomosing, longitudinal lamellae of tegument, between which lie minute aggregates of protuberances forming the cirral papillae.

The topography of the worm surface in relation to function and taxonomy is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Olubunmi Adetoro Otubanjo

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  1. Olubunmi Adetoro Otubanjo
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Otubanjo, O.A. Scanning electron microscopic studies of the body surface and external genitalia of a dicrocoeliid trematode,Concinnum epomopis Sandground 1973. Z. Parasitenkd. 71, 495–504 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00928352

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00928352

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