Stichosome

A stichosome (from Greek stichos (στίχος) = row; soma (σῶμα) = body) is a multicellular organ that is very prominent in some species of nematodes and consists of a longitudinal series of glandular unicellular cells (stichocytes) arranged in a row along the oesophagus that forms the posterior esophageal glands.

[1][2][3][4][5] Individual stichocytes contain networks of intracellular canaliculi and open into the esophageal lumen by a narrow duct process,[6] likely with secretory functions.

Function as a storage organ has also been proposed.

[7][8] Notable taxa with stichosomes are families Mermithidae, Trichinellidae and Trichuridae within order Stichosomida and class Adenophorea,[2] alternatively classified as the orders Trichinellida and Mermithida within subclass Dorylaimia and class Enoplea.

[1] This animal anatomy–related article is a stub.