Studies on the epidermis of Temnocephala III. Scanning electron microscope study of the epidermal surface of Temnocephala dendyi

Abstract

The epidermal surface of T. dendyi is plentifully supplied with uniciliate receptors, both singly and in clusters. The receptors are thickly concentrated on the tentacles and around the mouth, and sparse or absent on the ventral face of the disc. Elongated cilia also occur, which are especially long and flagellum-like on the ventral surface. These mostly arise from the tufts of ciliate receptors and are probably accessory to the sensory system. Their activity may draw currents to the ciliary tufts and increase the effectiveness of these receptors, which probably have a chemoreceptive function. Temnocephalids evidently do not possess the locomotory ciliation of the epidermis which typifies the turbellarians.