Anatomy and Morphology

	Contents	Rev. 01/01/20
Return to Phylum Nematoda Menu	Cuticle	Reproductive System
Return to General Nematology Menu	Hypodermis/Epidermis	Sensory System
	Muscle Layers	Excretory System
Go to Nemaplex HomePage	Digestive System	References
	Dictionary of Terminology

Hypodermis/epidermis is cellular with cell bodies aggregated in lateral field - resulting in thickening or hypodermal chords under lateral field.
Also thickened in ventral region.
If thickened in dorsal region, usually only in anterior portion.

Hypodermis has hypodermal glands and coelomocytes that are ectodermal in origin. Present in all nematodes. It is speculated that coelomocytes may secrete hormones that control molting of the cuticle.
Hypodermal cells become very active during molting of the cuticle - mitochondria, golgi bodies, etc.

	Caudal Glands are common in adenophorean nematodes. They secrete adhesive material by which the nematodes can attach to a substrate. Usually there are three caudal gland cells but the number ranges from two to five. Caudal gland cells usually share a common orifice, which is closed by a spinneret valve, at the end of the tail.
Caudal Glands and Spinneret of Sabateria sp.

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