A comparison of the structure of the scolex of Bothriocephalus scorpii (Müller 1776) and Clestobothrium crassiceps (Rud. 1819) and the mode of attachment of the scolex to the intestine of the host

• Published in: Parasitology
• Main Author: Rees, Gwendolen
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1958
• Subjects: Rud; Scophthalmus maximus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0031182000021429; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0031182000021429

1. Two Pseudophyllidea, Bothriocephalus scorpii (Müller) and Clestobothrium crassiceps (Rud.), have been obtained from Scophthalmus maximus (L.) and Merluccius merluccius (L.) respectively, from fishing grounds to the west of the British Isles. 2. The musculature of the scolex in both has been compared relative to the form and mode of function of that organ. All the major groups of muscles are present in both, but their arrangement is modified in C. crassiceps , due to the presence of hemispherical bothria, instead of open grooves, and a sphincter muscle around the bothrial opening. 3. The mode of attachment is discussed briefly in C. crassiceps , and in more detail in B. scorpii , where the structure of the scolex was found to be admirably suited to the form of the host's mucosa. The effect on the mucosa is slight, due to the absence of very powerful muscles and of other specialized adhesive structures. 4. The nervous system of the scolex in both species has been compared, and a fundamental similarity has been found. Modifications in C. crassiceps are associated with shortening of the scolex and the difference in form of the bothria. 5. The excretory system shows the same correlation with the form of the scolex.