Rhabdites (from Greek, 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, which 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 edit
- ^ Walker, J.C.; Anderson, D.T. (1998). "The Platyhelminthes, Nemertea, Entoprocta and Gnathostomulida". In D.T. Anderson (ed.). Invertebrate Zoology (1 ed.). Oxford University Press Australia. pp. 79–85. ISBN 0-19-553941-9.
- ^ Martin, Gary G. (1978). "A New Function of Rhabdites: Mucus Production for Ciliary Gliding". Zoomorphology. 91 (3). Springer-Verlag: 235–248. doi:10.1007/BF00999813. S2CID 206787592.
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