Observations on the surface morphology of the ovarian balls of Moniliformis (Acanthocephala)

The surface morphology of fixed ovarian balls from female Moniliformis dubius, agd 12, 18, 26, 28, 42, 77, 105 and 118 days, has been examined by means of scanning electron microscopy. The appearance of the surface has been found to be variable between ovarian balls from worms of the same and different ages. Some parts of the surface are seen to possess micro-projections, cavities and ridges while other parts have the appearance of an irregular meshwork of fibres. Various protruding features have been observed to extend from the surfaces of the ovarian balls taken from the inseminated female worms. In most cases, the surfaces of the protruding features differ in appearance from the surrounding surfaces of the ovarian balls. Some of these features have been assumed to represent growing zygotes and developing eggs covered by the supporting syncytium of the ovarian ball. Single or several thread-like structures have been observed in association with the surfaces of ovarian balls taken from the inseminated female worms. At present, the thread-like structures are believed to be portions of spermatozoa. By means of light microscopy, preliminary observations have been made on what is considered to be the division process of ovarian balls taken from uninseminated and inseminated worms varying in age from 7 to 98 days.