Ultrastructure of the Axial Region in Leptogorgia virgulata (Cnidaria: Gorgonaceae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Examination of the axial epithelium of the gorgonian L. virgulata revealed 2 cell types. The 1st type, or attachment cell, bears microvilli, the tips of which are connected by a thin bridge of cytoplasm. Each microvillus appears to terminate in 4 spherical projections. Epithelio-axial attachment occurs between these spherical bodies and fibrous projections from the axis. The attachment cells are capshaped and have invaginations of the basal plasma membranes that allow the passage of mesogleal fibers to the apical region of the cells. All of these structures provide strong, yet flexible, epithelio-axial attachment sites. The 2nd epithelial cell type, a secretory cell, lacks microvilli and has instead a relatively smooth cell surface adjacent to the axis. There is a narrow extracellular space between the cell and the axis which contains fibrous material. The secretory cell seems to be involved in the synthesis and secretion of axial material. An amorphous Ca compound, probably CaCO3, was detected throughout the axis, and appears to be involved in the strengthening of the axis.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: