A new model for the structure of the centriolar satellite complex in spermatozoa

Abstract

Abstract The ultrastructure of the centriolar satellite complex in the spermatozoon of the hydroid, Pennaria , is presented. The complex consists of nine spoke‐like arms which emanate from the distal centriole and of nine wedgeshaped connectives which extend into the flagellum joining each of the alpha doublets and the flagellar plasmalemma. Based upon these observations a new model for the structure of the centriolar satellite complex is proposed. In addition, similar centriolar satellite complexes are reported in the spermatozoa of two echinoderms, Ctenodiscus crispatus and Thyone briareus , in support of the proposed model.