clitellum

(noun)

a glandular swelling in the epidermis of some annelid worms; it secretes a viscous fluid in which the eggs are deposited

Related Terms

Examples of clitellum in the following topics:

  • Phylum Annelida

    • The clitellum is a reproductive structure that generates mucus that aids in sperm transfer and gives rise to a cocoon within which fertilization occurs; it appears as a fused band in the anterior third of the animal .
    • Earthworms are the most abundant members of the class Oligochaeta, distinguished by the presence of the clitellum as well as few, reduced chaetae ("oligo- = "few"; -chaetae = "hairs").
    • The clitellum is the reproductive structure of an annelid.