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Crystalline bodies associated with spermatozoa in the vas deferens of the monogeneansEntobdella soleae andE. hippoglossi

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Abstract

Transmission electron micrographs of transverse sections through the vas deferens of the monogeneansEntobdella soleae andE. hippoglossi reveal that each spermatozoon is equipped with a rod-shaped crystalline body that is held in position externally by folds in the terminal region of the sperm. There is evidence that these bodies are products of the cells lining the vas deferens. The apparent absence of these bodies from spermatozoa in the vagina and seminal receptacles indicates that they play no part in fertilization, and it is suggested that they may make a contribution to the spermatophore. The ultrastructure of the vas deferens and vesicula seminalis is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, NR4 7TJ, Norwich, UK

    T. Tappenden & G. C. Kearn

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  1. T. Tappenden
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  2. G. C. Kearn
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Tappenden, T., Kearn, G.C. Crystalline bodies associated with spermatozoa in the vas deferens of the monogeneansEntobdella soleae andE. hippoglossi . Parasitol Res 77, 421–424 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00931638

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00931638

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