Gland cells and secretions in the miracidium of Fasciola hepatica

Abstract

SUMMARYThe distribution and fine structure of gland cells in the miracidium of Fasciola hepatica is described. There is a large flask-shaped, multinucleate, apical gland lying ventrally in the anterior. On each side of this are pairs of uninucleate accessory gland cells. Both apical gland and accessory gland cells communicate with the tip of the apical papilla. A third group of vesiculated gland cells opens by ducts at the base of the apical papilla. The miracidium is covered with a surface mucous coat and this appears to be directly extruded from the underlying ciliated epithelial cells. The findings are discussed with relevance to attachment to, and penetration of, the snail intermediate host.