Mehlis gland

Mehlis gland ('mā-lis-) also called Shell gland, is primarily present surrounding the ootype of Platyhelminthes, and it is a part of the female reproductive organ of Platyhelminthes.

Platyhelminthes, such as tapeworms and flukes, are commonly called flat worms as their bodies are almost flat and leaf like.

Shape and size

It is unicellular gland of egg shaped. The shape of Mehli's gland is almost round or shell shaped and is attached with the ootype through certain fatty members.

Etymology

It was so named as it was first discovered by German physician Karl Friedrich Eduard Mehlis (1796–1832),

Function

As a part of female reproductive organ it has an important role in guiding the ova out towards the passage ending in the uterus of flat worms. Thus, its secretion lubricates the passage of uterus through which ova move.

See also

• Trematoda#Reproductive system
• Flatworms#Reproductive system