Cement glands

An overview of cement glands in parasitic worms

Cement glands

Illustration of Pachysentis lauroi, a species with prominent cement glands

Cement glands are specialized exocrine glands found in certain parasitic worms, particularly within the phylum Acanthocephala. These glands play a crucial role in the reproductive process of these organisms.

Function

The primary function of cement glands is to produce a sticky secretion that is used to seal the female's genital opening after copulation. This secretion forms a "cement plug," which prevents other males from mating with the female, thereby ensuring the paternity of the offspring for the male that successfully mates.

Structure

Cement glands are typically located in the posterior region of the male worm. They consist of a series of glandular cells that synthesize and secrete the cement substance. The exact composition of the cement varies among species but generally includes proteins and polysaccharides that harden upon exposure to the external environment.

Species with Cement Glands

Cement glands are characteristic of the Acanthocephala, a group of parasitic worms known as "thorny-headed worms." These worms are endoparasites, primarily infecting the intestines of vertebrates. An example of a species with well-developed cement glands is Pachysentis lauroi, which parasitizes the intestines of certain mammals.

Biological significance

The presence of cement glands is a significant evolutionary adaptation for acanthocephalan worms. By ensuring that a female is not re-mated by another male, the cement glands increase the reproductive success of the male that first mates with the female. This adaptation is particularly important in environments where multiple males may compete for the same female.

Related pages

• Acanthocephala
• Parasitism
• Reproductive strategies in animals