Studies on Pogonophora. 4. Fine structure of the cuticle and epidermis

The fine structure of the integument in several species of Pogonophora has been examined by electron microscopy. The cuticle over the main body is composed of several layers of orthogonally arranged fibres embedded in an amorphous matrix. It is regularly traversed by microvilli from underlying epidermal cells. Toothed bristles of the annuli and setae of the anchor are composed of closely packed fibrous cylinders wrapped in a cortical material. In fine structure the cuticle, setae, toothed bristles (or setae) and setal sacs forming the setae closely resemble the corresponding structures in annelids. The cuticle is maximally thick over the forepart (protosome + mesosome) ; it is very thin and non-fibrous over the surface of the metameric papillae and over extensive areas of post-metameric trunk. The possibilities of a collagenous nature of the cuticle fibres and their mode of secretion by the epidermal cells are discussed. The organization of various cell-types forming the epidermis over the entire animal is examined. Possible functions of these cell-types are discussed. Notable amongst these are 'possible zymogen cells' and some absorptive cells. The intriguing question of nutrition in these gut-less tubiculous animals is re-examined in the light of present observations.