Phylum Nemertea

What do Nemerteans look like?

Ribbon worms Most benthic marine Complete digestive system Eversible proboscis Circulatory system Used to be considered acoelomates since body is packed with tissue but rhyncocoel is a true coelom derived by schizocoely. Fig. 1

How do Nemerteans support themselves and move?

Hydrostatic mesenchyme and muscular antagonistic system. Small nemerteans use cilia. Large move with peristaltic waves.

Fig. 2

How do Nemerteans support themselves and move?

Cephalization with ladder-like nervous system. Sense organs.

Fig. 10

How do Nemerteans feed themselves?

Eversible proboscis which is a blind tube in a rhyncocoel. Proboscis often has toxins on stylets. After prey subdued, it is drawn into mouth.

Fig. 6

How do Nemerteans feed themselves?

Complete gut.

Fig. 7

How do Nemerteans circulate oxygen and nutrients?

Closed circulatory system: longitudinal and lateral vessels with cephalic and anal lacunae. Gas exchange across epidermis.

Fig. 8

How do Nemerteans osmoregulate and remove wastes?

Protonephria with flame bulbs associated with blood vessels.

Fig. 9

Fig. 8

How do Nemerteans reproduce and develop?

Asexual reproduction Regeneration. Multiple transverse fission.

How do Nemerteans reproduce and develop?

Sexual reproduction Most gonochoristic. Gonads are in tissue along gut.

Fig. 12