Abstract
The protonephridium and associated excretory bladder of male Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus was examined by scanning electron microscopy. These excretory organs were located on the dorsal surface at the junction of the dorsal ligament sac and genital sheath. The protonephridium contained between 275 and 315 flame bulbs in each mass. The pattern formed by these flame bulbs was shown as well as their relative position to surrounding structures. The flame bulbs did not appear to wave or move around when viewed in living worms. The excretory bladder was very pleomorphic; when full, it was round or barrel-shaped, but when partially filled it may have fingerlike extensions from its posterior terminus. Several SEM photographs are presented which show a few of the different patterns observed in the excretory bladder. The posterior terminus of the bladder was unattached to the genital sheath.
Published Version
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