Discovery of Trunk Coelomoducts in Hemichordata

Abstract

Histological examination of a specimen of a deep-sea enteropneusts that belongs to a yet undescribed species (Torquaratoridae gen. sp.) revealed numerous trunk coelomoducts. They open into the genital wing coelom as a typical funnels; short ducts communicate with environment through pores located on the outer side of the genital wings. Total number of coelomoducts in a specimen is estimated at several thousand. Trunk coelomoducts have not been found earlier in any member of the phylum. We believe that the release of the male gonad products occurs through coelomoducts of Torquaratoridae gen. sp.