Histomorphological and histochemical studies on the epidermis of the lumbricid worm, Dendrobaena atheca Cernosvitov

The epidermis of the fully mature earthworms, Dendrobaena atheca, has been investigated both histomorphologically and histochemically. The epidermis is constructed of two main cell categories: the glandular and nonglandular. The former comprises albumen, and small and large mucous cells whereas the latter includes supporting, basal and sensory cells. All these cell types rest on a prominent basement membrane and touch with their apices, except the basal cells, a thick layer of cuticle covering the epidermis. Epidermal cells are histomorphologically and/or histochemically distinguishable. Secretory granules of the albumen cells are proteinaceous in nature, those of the small mucous cells are neutral mucopolysaccharides and those of the large mucous cells are acid mucopolysaccharides. The histochemical nature of the cuticle indicates that it is mainly composed of neutral mucopolysaccharides and moieties of proteins and bound lipids.