OBSERVATIONS ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OF APORCELAIMUS AMPHIDYSIS N. SP. (NEMATODA: DORYLAIMOIDEA)

Abstract

Fifteen ganglia, associated with the nerve ring are reported. With the exception of the paired lateral cephalic papillary, postlateral papillary, and the amphidial ganglia, nine ganglia are linked by laterolateral commissures which are described for the first time. The laterolateral commissures appear to originate from paired internolateral ganglia located above and below the nerve ring. The longitudinal dorsal and paired ventral, amphidial, and lateral cephalic papillary nerves are traced from origin at their respective ganglia of the central nervous system to their termination. The paired ventral nerves pass to the right and left of the vagina, remaining double throughout most of their length. Portions of the rectosympathetic nervous systems are described in males and females. In the description of the new species based on males and females, the structure of the amphid is clarified, and the position of the plicated guiding ring and the dorsoventral width of the plicated guiding ring, expressed as percentage of spear length, are used as diagnostic characters. Illustrations and photomicrographs are provided.