Nerve cells inAcanthobothrium coronatum(Rud.) (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea)

Abstract

The nervous system ofAcanthobothrium coronatumconsists of paired bilobed cerebral ganglia in the scolex joined by a transverse and a dorsal and ventral commissure, and a number of longitudinal nerve cords joined by ring commissures from which arise delicate nerves supplying various organs.Bipolar neurons are present in the transverse commissure and scattered throughout the longitudinal nerves in the strobila.Multipolar neurons occur outside and in close association with the nerve cords.A band of ganglionic cells lies on the inner side of the lateral nerve cords in the scolex.Binding cells are present around the longitudinal nerve cords and ring commissures in the strobila.Stretch receptors are present in the anterior half of the scolex in association with the powerful muscles moving the bothridia and hooks.