Morphofunctional diversity of glycocalyx in tapeworms

Abstract

Data from the author and the literature on the morphology of glycocalyx in cestodes at all stages of their life cycle are summarized. Two basic modifications of glycocalyx corresponding to intestinal and tissue forms of cestodes have been distinguished. It has been demonstrated that tissue glycocalyx has the largest size and is characterized by higher morphological diversity as compared to that in intestinal forms, which may be explained by differences in the habitat conditions. Among the possible glycocalyx functions, protection is assumed to be of primary importance. This function includes a wide spectrum of mechanisms. The need for special studies on the histogenesis, structure, and functioning of glycocalyx in metacestodes is established.