In each of these figures (Figs. 5 and 6) is to be noticed a central body 
in the form of a short rod. These I believe to be different corpuscles 
because, although both are elongated, they extend in different directions 
in relation to the other parts of the cell. Figure 8, which represents 
a section stained with haematoxylin, also shows a rod-like body. In 
Figure 10 are to be noted three minute 
central bodies, and in several other cells 
I have found as many such corpuscles. 
Outside the coarsely granular zone 
which marks the outer limit of the sphere 
is found an extensive area of finely granular 
protoplasm, and beyond this, near the peri- 
phery of the cell, there is usually a denser, 
more coarsely granular zone. 
All the parts described above are 
shown either after the use of corrosive 
sublimate followed by iron haematoxylin or 
after the osmic method of treatment. 
I was seldom fortunate enough to in- 
clude nucleus, sphere and centrosome in Figure 11. See explanation 
the same section, but occasionally this °F Figures 9 and 10. 
happened. In no case, however, was either 
nucleus or sphere missing from any of the numerous (50 or more) 
giant cells examined. In a very few cases the central corpuscle could 
not be seen, but this may have been due to defective staining. This 
fact, however, is of minor importance, because in far the greater number 
of cases the central corpuscle was very evident. I noticed, however, 
that it seemed less distinct in sections from the anterior segments, 
than in those from the middle region of the worm. 
Regarding the function of this central corpuscle and sphere of 
nerve cells and their relation to the centrosome and sphere of dividing 
cells, I feel that we have not yet sufficient evidence to prove them 
equivalent structures. I have confidence, however, that this will some 
day be shown to be the case. Several facts plainly indicate that the 
body has a mechanical influence upon the protoplasm of the cell: 
(1) the concentric arrangement of the protoplasm around the central 
corpuscle; (2) the radiations which extend from the central corpuscle 
(neither v. LENHOSSEK nor DEHLER mention such radiations, nor do 
their figures show such a condition); (8) the excentric position of 
the nucleus; (4) the flattening of the nuclear membrane on the side toward 
the sphere; (5) the outer band of protoplasm near the periphery. These 
Anat, Anz. XII. Aufsätze. ul 
