Ref ID : 796
E. Trevor Hitchen and R.D. Butler; The ultrastructure and function of the tentacle in Rhyncheta cyclopum Zenker (Ciliatea, Suctorida). J.Ultrastruct.Res. 46:279-295, 1974
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The tentacle of Rhyncheta (Suctoria) measures 500x2 um and consists of cortex, cytoplasm, and a microtubular system. The cortex has a surface coat 0.15 um thick; overlying the plasma membrane, alveolar membranes, and epiplasm. Only plasma membrane covers the tip. The cytoplasm contains mitochondria, haptocysts, solenocysts, and spheroid vesicles. In the tip, the axial microtubular system consists of a circle of 10-23 overlapping lamellae each comprising 12-22 arm-bearing tubules. A lamellar connective unites these with the alveolar membranes. 2-3 um below, the lamellae are enclosed by an outer circle of 115-270 ring microtubules joined by a sleeve of dense material. Further down, ring microtubules between the lamellae terminate, leaving a discontinuous circle of double-layered lamellae which then become irregularly aggregated. Inter-microtubular links connect separate double-lamellae. During feeding this pattern is altered to resemble that seen in other suctorians. These arrangements of microtubules are discussed in relation to movement and feeding.