Fine structure of a racemose cysticercus from human brain

The surface of a racemose cysticercus from the human brain was studied by scanning electron microscopy and the tegument of the cyst by transmission electron microscopy. The surface of the larva is covered by microvilli of uniform shape and size. The glycocalyx of the microvilli bears knotlike areas positive for acid mucopolysaccharides. Microvilli are interconnected by a fine, electron-dense network. The tegumental and subtegumental tissues vary in thickness from one region to the next, and the tissues below the vesicular layer are scattered irregularly, in a seemingly disordered manner.