The blood cells of a sea urchin from abou-kir coast Alexandria, Egypt.

Abstract

The blood cells of a common sea urchin, collected from Abou-Kir region, were investigated using light and electron microscopy. Their distribution, properties, characteristics and histogenesis were determined. On the basis of differences in structure and behaviour towards various dyes the blood cells fall into three basic categories: lymphocytes, amoebocytes and morula-shaped cells. Amoebocytes include the hyaline, phagocytic, vacuolated and granular forms. The probable functions of the blood cell-types, where possible, are suggested