Summary
The tentacles of eleven species of dendrochirote holothurians have been studied. The water vascular system, deep fibre system, ectoneural nerve ring and superficial fibre system are described and are similar to those of other holothurian tentacles. A conspicuous fuzzy coat covers the entire tentacular surface except for the tips of cilia. On the basis of its structure it is thought to be an attenuated glycocalyx. Its function is discussed in relation to anti-fouling and surface adhesion. The two surface coats underlying the fuzzy coat are termed the cuticle. Bacteria are found both within the surface coats and in the sub-cuticular space. Primary fixatives lacking osmium give poor preservation of the surface coats. The adhesive papillae of the apices of the tentacles contain elements of support cells and two other cells named Type-1 and Type-2 papillar cells. The secretions of Type-1 papillar cells are dense-cored vesicles and may contain a proteinaceous adhesive. The vesicles fuse with the cuticle and release their products which are apparently disseminated along the fuzzy coat filaments. The secretions of Type-2 papillar cells may have a neurosecretory function. The different models of food capture by dendrochirote tentacles are discussed as are duo-glandular adhesive systems in relation to dendrochirote tentacles.
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McKenzie, J.D. The ultrastructure of the tentacles of eleven species of dendrochirote holothurians studied with special reference to the surface coats and papillae. Cell Tissue Res. 248, 187–199 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01239980
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01239980