Abstract
The male K. isopodicola possesses a ciliated, cellular epidermis, which in life is enveloped by a clear film with a sharply demarcated outer border. The cilia have a vertical rootlet and an anteriorly directed horizontal rootlet. The epidermis is fringed with microvilli, and displays globular or stalked cytoplasmic protrusions. Giant cylindrical bodies occupy the outer cytoplasm. Epidermal vesicles are plentiful. The epidermis is uniformly adherent to its basal lamina, and basal hemidesmosomes are absent. The basement membrane is well developed. Perikarya are not recessed. Ducts of a variety of parenchymal glands pass through the epithelium. Internal to strongly developed muscle strata lie intermingled gland cell extensions, containing striated granules, mucus, spherical bodies of several kinds, and a secretory product apparently characteristic of duogland adhesive systems. Possible functions of the glandular secretions are considered in relation to events in the complicated life history. Cytoplasmic protrusions, cylindrical bodies and vesicles may function in uptake of nutrients or excretion. The microvilli, like those of free-living turbellarians, probably function together with glycocalyx filaments to stabilize a protective mucoid film. Systematic and phylogenetic implications of the observations are discussed.
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