Pharyngeal movements during feeding sequences of Navanax inermis (Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia) in successive stages of dissection

Feeding in Navanax inermis Cooper was filmed and analysed after various dissections. In preparations with a cut through the body wall exposing the pharynx and buccal ganglia, completely normal feeding was observed. In addition to seven motor acts previously described in intact animals, an eighth act, peristalsis, was observed. In preparations with the pharynx excised from the animal but attached to the buccal ganglia, four motor acts were observed: flaring, expansion, contraction and peristalsis. In addition to increasing information about the nature of feeding movements in Navanax, these data indicate that preparations suitable for neurophysiological studies are capable of producing a variety of feeding acts.