Histophysiology of the digestive epithelium of Pheretima californica Kinberg

I. Hydrocarbon material; mucopolysaccharides, mucoproteins and glycoproteins

Abstract

The authors studied the histophysiology of the digestive epithelium of Pheretima californica Kinberg with reference to the secretion of hydrocarbonated material. The functional stratification of the cytoplasms was analyzed, and acid mucopolysaccharides and neutral glycoproteins were detected in the basal membranes and apical zones of the cells. The structural disposition of the epithelial covering cuticles, which are similarly disposed in all the segments are described. Their characteristics agree with the findings described in epithelium of vertebrates.