Rhabdite

This article is about the anatomy. For other meanings, see Rhabdite (disambiguation)

Rhabdites (from Gr rhabdos, rod) are rodlike structures in the cells of the epidermis or underlying parenchyma in certain turbellarians, and in the epidermis of nemerteans.[1] They are discharged in mucous secretions. They are a defensive mechanism, they'll dissolve in water, and they are distasteful to most animals who would prey on rhabditid worms. In nemerteans, rhabdites form mucus on which the animals glide.[2]

Notes

  1. ↑ Walker, J.C.; Anderson, D.T. (1998). "The Platyhelminthes, Nemertea, Entoprocta and Gnathostomulida". In D.T. Anderson. Invertebrate Zoology (1 ed.). Oxford University Press Australia. pp. 79–85. ISBN 0-19-553941-9.
  2. ↑ Martin, Gary G. (1978). "A New Function of Rhabdites: Mucus Production for Ciliary Gliding". Zoomorphology (Springer-Verlag) 91 (3): 235–248. doi:10.1007/BF00999813. Retrieved 26 Jan 2011.