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Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, Vol s3-104, 505-512, Copyright © 1963 by Company of Biologists

The Tegument and Associated Structures of Fasciola Hepatica

L. T. THREADGOLD 1

1 Department of Zoology, The Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland

The cuticle of light microscopy is shown by electron microscopy to be a surface layer of protoplasm which is an extension of areas of nucleated protoplasm lying deep in the parenchyma. The cuticle therefore exists at two levels. The external level is syncytial, consisting of plateaux separated by branching valleys. This level contains apical pinocytotic vesicles, numerous mitochondria, endoplasmic membranes, large basal and other vacuoles, and dense spines. Tube-like evaginations from the base of the external level connect it to the individual areas of flask-shaped protoplasm which compose the internal level. Each of these areas of protoplasm contains a nucleus, great numbers of mitochondria, some vacuoles and diffuse inclusions, and the Golgi bodies.

The histochemistry and function of the cuticle is discussed in the light of this new knowledge of cuticular ultrastructure, and a comparison is made between the cuticle of Cestoda and Trematoda.






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1963