Spicule (nematode)

Spicule protruding from the spicular sheath at the posterior end of a male Eucoleus aerophilus
Male caudal end of Capillaria plectropomi, with spinose spicular sheath and extruded spicule. Transmission electron microscopy.
Left spicule in a male Pterygodermatites baiomydis

In nematodes (roundworms), spicules, or copulatory spicules, are needle-like mating structures found only in males.[1]

Males nematodes may have one or two spicules, which serve to open the vulva of females, and facilitate the transmission of sperm, although sperm is not transferred directly by or through the spicules.[2][3] The gubernaculum is another organ of the nematode male copulatory system, which guides the spicules during copulation.

References

  1. ↑ Cheng, Thomas C. (1986). General Parasitology (2nd ed.). Oxford: Elsevier Science. p. 479. ISBN 0323140106.
  2. ↑ Gaugler, edited by Randy; Bilgrami, Anwar L. (2004). Nematode Behaviour. Wallingford: CABI. pp. 136–138. ISBN 0851999557.
  3. ↑ Chitwood, B. G. & Chitwood, M. B. (1950). Introduction to Nematology (Vol. 1). Baltimore: Monumental Printing Co.doi:10.5962/bhl.title.7355 (Function of spicule: pages 123-124)


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