Pyramicocephalus phocarum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea): the ultrastructure of the tegument, glands, and sensory organs

The ultrastructure of the tegument, glands and sensory organs of Pyramicocephalus phocarum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) have been studied. Three types of the microthriches are found, which have a specific distribution on the scolex and body. A welldeveloped basal lamina contained radial anchoring fibrils; they are associated with the microfibrills of the lamina reticularis and form regular cross-links. In the tegument, we have found six types of sensory organs and also terminal pores of the frontal glands. It has been shown that sensory endings and secretory pores are co-localized in the bothria tegument: 30 pores and 50 sensory endings were found in one section. Frontal glands are located in the parenchyma of the scolex and body; glands are well-developed and have intensive eccrine secretion. Comparative ultrastructural analysis of four diphyllobothriidean species shows similarity in the ultrastructure of microtriches and frontal glands in the plerocercoids of P. phocarum and Diphyllobothrium latum. How to cite this article: Mustafina A.R., Biserova N.M. 2017. Pyramicocephalus phocarum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea): the ultrastructure of the tegument, glands, and sensory organs // Invert. Zool. Vol.14. No.2. P.154–161. doi: 10.15298/invertzool.14.2.09