TOPOGRAPHY OF CIRCULATORY SYSTEM OF GLOSSOSCOLEX PAULISTUS MICHAELSEN 1926 (OLIGOCHAETA GLOSSOSCOLECIDAE)

Abstract

SUMMARY In segment 24 and successive ones the vascular topography of Glossoscolex paulistus Michaelsen, 1926 is repeated metamerically. The afferent system is more similar to those of Allolobophora and Eisenia than that of Lumbricus. The efferent system is similar to that of Pontodrilus. In segments 17 to 23 the position of the vessels is slightly modified due to a pair of copulatory chambers, whose circulation is like that of the prostates of Pheretima. In segments 7 to 9 the ventro-tegumentary vessels arise from the lateral hearts. Those of 9 which supply the genital organs and anastomose with the ventro-tegumentary vessels of 14, are especially voluminous forming a safety system. From the gizzard forwards the dorsal vessel is replaced by a vessel formed by the coalescence of branches of the ventro-tegumentary vessels of 6. Longitudinal neural vessels are absent throughout the whole body.