Nerves Originating from the Cerebral Ganglion of Moniliformis moniliformis (Acanthocephala)

Abstract

Extending from the cerebral ganglion are the following 6 pairs of nerves: 2 pairs of anterior medial nerves, 2 pairs of lateral medial nerves, 1 pair of anterior proboscis nerves, 1 pair of lateral medial nerves. The dorsal anterior medial nerve and the ventral anterior medial nerve are unpaired nerves. The dorsal anterior medial nerve supplies the apical sensory device on the proboscis. The ventral anterior medial nerve supplies the retractor and protrusor muscles of the proboscis and the lateral posterior nerve supplies the longitudinal and circular muscles of the body wall. This last nerve is the largest of the nerves and is enclosed by the retinacular muscle as it extends through the pseudocoel to the body wall where it divides into a posterior and anterior nerve. The anterior medial nerve originates from 2 different levels along the dorsal anterior surface of the ganglion. These nerves serve the anterior presoma. The anterior proboscis nerve originates from the apical cells of the ganglion and is found between the proboscis retractor muscles throughout their length.