The cloaca of Myxine glutinosa (Cyclostomata) : a scanning electron microscopical and histochemical investigation
Kosmath, I.; Patzner, R.A.; Adam, H.
Zeitschrift für Mikroskopisch-Anatomische Forschung 95(6): 936-942
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-3107 PMID: 6461140 Document Number: 177789
The cloaca of M. glutinosa was examined by histochemical and scanning electron microscopic methods. No copulation organ was found in Myxine and no detectible differences in the anatomy of the cloaca between male and female M. glutinosa. The anal gland, which is the only gland in the cloacal region, is situated between rectum and ductus coelomaticus. Like the lateral mucous glands in the epidermis, it consists of large mucous gland cells, thread cells and undifferentiated cells. The cloacal epithelium neither develops a spatial separation by folds nor a ciliation is present in the caudal and dorsal part of the cloacal chamber. Female and male myxinoides do not show any structures which would allow transportation of sperm into the abdominal cavity or out of it.