(40) Keferstein u. Ehlers. Zoologische Beiträge. Leipzig, 1861.
(41) C. Semper. Holothurien, 1868, p. 145.
(42) J. W. Spengel. “Beiträge z. Kenntniss d. Gephyreen.” Beiträge a. d. zool. Station z. Neapel, Vol. I. 1879.
(43) J. W. Spengel. “Anatomische Mittheilungen üb. Gephyreen.” Tagebl. d. Naturf. Vers. München, 1877.
In the Gephyrea, as in the Chætopoda, the ova are developed from the lining cells of the peritoneum and frequently from the cells surrounding parts of the vascular system (Bonellia, Thalassema). In many cases (Sipunculus, Phascolosoma, Echiurus) the main growth of the ovum takes place after it has been dehisced into the body cavity.
In Sipunculus the ova in the body cavity are surrounded by a follicle which is thrown off before they become ripe.
Brandt denies the existence of this follicle or rather its cellular nature. Spengel’s (43) observations are conclusive in favour of the correctness of the original interpretation Of Keferstein and Ehlers. The follicles would seem to be formed after the ova have become free. In Phascolosoma there is no follicle (Semper, Spengel).
In both Phascolosoma and Sipunculus a vitelline membrane with radial pores—zona radiata—is formed, and in Phascolosoma the external part of this is separated off as a structureless vitelline membrane. The formation of both these membranes from the protoplasm of the ovum is rendered certain in the latter case by the absence of a follicular epithelium.
Some interesting observations on the growth and origin of the ovum in Bonellia have been made by Spengel.
Fig. 16. Follicle Of Bonellia at a medium stage of development. (After Spengel.)
ov. ovum. fe. flattened follicular epithelium.