What Is Rhabdites Used for?

the rhabdites are the only, or most common, secretory product released on the ventral locomotor sole and therefore they are thought to form the viscous mucus used in locomotion by ciliary gliding.

What are rhabdites and their role in planarians?

Rhabdites are rod-shaped secretory products characteristic of the Turbellaria but also found in nemerteans, gastrotrichs and annelids. ... InProtodrilus, rhabdites are released along the ventrolateral margin of the worm and are secreted only when the worm tries to move by ciliary gliding against strong water currents.

What is the function of rhabdites in flatworms?

They are a defensive mechanism, which dissolve in water, and they are distasteful to most animals who would prey on rhabditid worms. In nemerteans, rhabdites form mucus on which the animals glide.