Studies on Trichinella spiralis I. Male and Female Reproductive Systems

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Abstract
The morphology of the reproductive systems of both sexes of Trichinella spiralis was studied. Adult worms were obtained chiefly from white mice experimentally infected. Worms were studied while still active, within 2 hours after the host was killed. Physical activity of the various parts of the worm facilitated understanding of the systems. Studies were also made from dissected specimens; A "00" insect pin served as the dissecting needle. Under stereoscopic microscope a single puncture was made at the posterior end of the worm whereupon a great portion of the genital system would immediately be expelled to the exterior by pressure within the parasite. The testis is a hollow tube. The germinal cells are found on the wall of the testis throughout its whole length and various stages of spermatogenesis were seen along the free border. A copulatory tube functions as a "real cloaca". The copulatory bell is formed by the extrusion of the copulatory tube through the cloacal opening as the result of the contraction of cloaca and body wall and the coincident relaxation of the copulatory muscle. The ovary has its germinal zone on its ventral wall where ova formed and gradually pushed toward the ovarian cavity and were set free. The seminal receptacle is a large blind pouch with the oviduct entering at its side. Both systems have been re-described in detail.

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