411259

A comprehensive study of histology and ultrastructure in the spine, tube feet, and aristotle's lantern of Echinometra mathaei from the northern Red Sea

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Last updated: 15 Feb 2025

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Abstract

This study presents a detailed anatomical and histological investigation of the sea urchin Echinometra mathaei, emphasizing unique morphological structures and site-specific variations. In March 2023, echinoids were collected from two sites in the northern Red Sea at depths ranging from 0 to 5 meters. Various soft tissues, including the peritoneum, peristome, gills, podium, ampulla, and food canal, were extracted and preserved in 10% formalin. Sections of five microns were prepared and stained using the haematoxylin and eosin technique, followed by examination under a light microscope. The study concentrated on the external anatomy revealed distinct oral and aboral structures, including spines, pedicellariae, tube feet, and gills, with measurements indicating notable size and weight differences between specimens from the two collection sites. Internally, the digestive, nervous, and water vascular systems, as well as Aristotle's lantern and gonads, were described in detail. Histological analysis highlighted cellular arrangements in key structures such as the peristome, esophagus, stomach, and intestines, with unique features identified in connective tissues and epithelial layers. A key finding of this study is the observation of tricephalous pedicellariae, expanding the taxonomic understanding of E. mathaei. Morphological variations in tube feet ossicles between collection sites suggest environmental or genetic influences. Additionally, the ultrastructure of spines and stereom provided new insights into their composition and function. This comprehensive analysis enhances the knowledge of E. mathaei's anatomy, contributes to echinoid systematics, and underscores its ecological adaptations across varying habitats.

DOI

10.21608/maj.2024.411259

Keywords

Keywords: Burrowing sea urchin, Echinometra mathaei, anatomy, Ultrastructure, Northern Red sea

Authors

First Name

Mohamed

Last Name

Rashad

MiddleName

M.

Affiliation

Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Aquaculture and Marine Fisheries, Arish University, Egypt

Email

mohamed.rashad@yahoo.com

City

-

Orcid

0000-0002-0357-8348

First Name

Nesreen

Last Name

Ibrahim

MiddleName

k.

Affiliation

Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismallia, Egypt

Email

kadry1339@yahoo.com

City

-

Orcid

-

First Name

Mohammed

Last Name

Salem

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Department of Marine Fisheries, Faculty of Aquaculture and Marine Fisheries, Arish University, Egypt

Email

-

City

-

Orcid

-

First Name

Saad

Last Name

Mohamed

MiddleName

Z.

Affiliation

Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismallia, Egypt

Email

-

City

-

Orcid

-

First Name

Hany

Last Name

Abdel-Salam

MiddleName

A.

Affiliation

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

Email

hanysalam52@hotmail.com

City

-

Orcid

-

Volume

11

Article Issue

2

Related Issue

53745

Issue Date

2024-12-01

Receive Date

2025-02-11

Publish Date

2024-12-01

Page Start

15

Page End

35

Print ISSN

1687-7616

Online ISSN

1687-7187

Link

https://maj.journals.ekb.eg/article_411259.html

Detail API

http://journals.ekb.eg?_action=service&article_code=411259

Order

411,259

Type

Original Article

Type Code

209

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

Mediterranean Aquaculture Journal

Publication Link

https://maj.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

A comprehensive study of histology and ultrastructure in the spine, tube feet, and aristotle's lantern of Echinometra mathaei from the northern Red Sea

Details

Type

Article

Created At

15 Feb 2025