[The adhesive system of the planarian Dendrocoelum lacteum: its structure and innervation]

Light and electron microscopy of ventral surface of triclada D. lacteum allowed to distinguish four regions, containing ducts of adhesive glands. Every zone described has several morphological features connected to their role in various physiological processes. In every case structural unit of adhesive system is a complex of two unicellullar glands which according to the structure of secretory granules secrete different chemical products and are responsible for different processes such as adhesion an secretion. Adhesive structures of D. lacteum involved in vital behavior acts as movement on substrate surface, food capture an reaction of avoiding are heavily innervated. Cerebral ganglion neurons play the leading role in innervation of adhesive channel and area of additional secretion. The margin and caudal sucktio are innervated by axons originated from lateral neural cord. Neurons of peripheral plexuses play an important role in innervation of the whole adhesive system. Most dense accumulation of nerve endings is located in the vicinity of ducts of adhesive glands.