Electron Microscope Observations of the Integument, Flame Cells, and Gut of Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract

Electron micrographs of sections of the integument, body tissue, flame-cells, and gut of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni are presented. The photographs illustrate the variegated, highly irregular sugface of the schistosome. Postulates regarding the function of the integument and suggestions for future work which needs to be done are given. The flame-cell is shown to be composed of large bundles of individual cilia suspended within a membranous cone-like enlargement of the capillary of the excretory system. Speculations regarding the possible function of the flame-cell are made. Photographic evidence showing a fibrillar membrane of the gut endothelium is presented. The illustrations appear to show that particulate matter is engulfed by inclusion or by being surrounded by such fibrils.