Morphology of the reproductive system of maleMoniliformis dubius(Acanthocephala)

Abstract

SUMMARYThe histology of the reproductive system of maleMoniliformis dubiushas been studied by a variety of microscopical techniques. The system includes 2 testes from each of which arises a vas efferens. Products from the testis enter the vas efferens through openings present in the wall of the vas efferens. The testes are contained in a ligament sac and each testis is enveloped separately by an outgrowth of the ligament sac wall. There are 8 unicellular cement glands. The cement substance contains spherical electron-dense droplets presumed to be lipids. Saefftigen's pouch appears to be a hydraulic mechanism to regulate the turgidity of the wall of the bursal cap to effect successful copulation with female worms. The muscles attaching the genital sheath and bursa to the body wall are likely to be concerned with bursal eversion and inversion. Stimuli receptors connected to the genital nervous system are located in the penis and bursa.