Introduction to Digenean Flukes
Adult Fluke
Adult Bodyplan
Digenean Tegument
Reproductive System
Lifecycle
Other Flukes
The Digenean Tegument
The tegument found in the digenean flukes resembles that seen in other parasitic platyhelminthes. It consists of an outer syncytial layer, within which are located numerous mitochondria and pinocytic vesicles, subtegumental cell bodies, located below the parasites outer circular and longitudinal muscle layers and containing the tegumental nuclei and other biosynthetic organelles such as the golgi apparatus, and protoplasmic extensions connecting the two. There are however a number of features characteristic of digenean flukes in particular. Firstly the outer surface of the tegument is without the microvilli or microtriches seen in the monogeneans or cestodes. Secondly there are the presence of electron dense spines and tubercles on the outer surface of the tegument. These probably aid in attachment of the parasite to the host surface (eg intestinal wall, or blood capillary epithelium in the schistosomes)
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Ts - Tegumental Spine Cm - Circular Muscle Lm - Longitudinal Muscle Pm - Protoplasmic Extension StC - Sub-tegumental Cell Body P - Parenchymal Tissue |