Figure 2

Layout of the anterior esophageal region of S. japonicum adult male. Confocal images stained with Langeron’s carmine: A, Illustrates the cell mass (CM) surrounding the anterior esophageal compartment. B, reveals the basal striated appearance of the lining and a central branched network of threads. SEM images: C, anterior esophageal lining showing its highly complex ultrastructure, including long, thin corrugations of cytoplasm extending from the base and central spaghetti-like cytoplasmic threads; D, corrugations are revealed as smooth thin layers of cytoplasm with a few tiny pits in the surface; E, tips of corrugations showing that the cytoplasmic threads branch frequently to form a net-like structure. F, Higher magnification showing cytoplasmic threads connecting flattened, pitted plates of cytoplasm (P). Scale bar: A 20 μm; B&C 10 μm; D 1 μm; E 2 μm; F 1 μm.