Where Are Rhabdites Located?

Rhabdites (from Greek, rhabdos, rod) are rodlike structures in the cells of the epidermis or underlying parenchyma in certain turbellarians, and in the epidermis of nemerteans. They are discharged in mucous secretions.

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 a Rhabdites?

It is proposed that the principal function of rhabdites in the worms studied, is adhesion. protection by means of mucus production, purine storage and excretion, cyst formation and the formation of a fluid cuticle (see summary and references in Horvasse, 1965).