ALIMENTARY AND REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS OF<i>OXYCHILUS CELLARIUS</i>(MÜLLER) (STYLOMMATOPHORA)

Abstract

Detailed study of the life cycle and the anatomy, histology and functioning of the alimentary and reproductive systems of Oxychilua cellariua (Müller) lead one to regard this snail as a typical and relatively unspecialized member of the Stylommatophora. Feeding currents within the oesophagus and staomach have been examined during dissection of fresh specimens and the form of the stomach region has been homologized with that of more primitive gastropods. Histochemical methods have been used to determine the nature of cell contents and secretions along the reproductive tract and the possible part played by these substances during copulation and egg‐laying has been investigated. The path used by sperm prior to, and following, copulation has been traced. Comparison is made with members of the higher Basommatophora, the Hygrophila. Much greater structural and functional differences become apparent between members of the Stylommatophora and the Basommatophora than have hitherto been suspected.