On the ultrastructure of the epidermis of the adult female ofKronborgia amphipodicolaChristensen & Kanneworff, 1964 (turbellaria, neorhabdocoela)

Abstract

The epidermis of Kronborgia amphipodicola, an internal parasite of ampeliscid amphipods, has been examined by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopes. The animal has been studied before and after building of the cocoon and spawning of the egg capsules. Characteristic features of the epidermis are long cilia, numerous clavate microvilli, and cytoplasmic extrusions. These contain small vesicles of unknown function. In addition large vacuoles and small rhabdite-like structures have been found in the cells. Various subepidermal gland cells penetrate the fibrillar basal lamina and the epidermal cells. The mechanism of food uptake is discussed and compared with that of other plathyhelminthes.