An ultrastructural study of the seminal vesicle of the hermaphrodite duct of the land snail Limicolaria flammea (Müller) (Pulmonata: Achatinidae)

Abstract

The seminal vesicle region of the hermaphrodite duct of the edible land snail, Limicolaria flammea (Müller) is described using light and electron microscopy. The lumen is lined with a single layer of epithelial cells surrounded by connective tissues and circularly arranged smooth muscle. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that there are two types of epithelial cells lining the lumen of the seminal vesicle duct. Type 1 epithelial cells are highly ciliated columnar with large irregular shaped basal nuclei. Type 2 epithelial cells are non-ciliated columnar with large irregularly shaped basal nuclei. The apical surface of the Type 2 cell bears numerous microvilli. Mitochondria, glycogen, lipids, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, Golgi bodies and vacuoles are observed in the two types of epithelial cells and their lateral margins are joined apically by zonula adhaerens, below which are located septate junctions. The functional significance of the epithelial cells are discussed. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.