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A light and electron microscopic investigation of the digestive system of the Ophiuroid ophiuroiderma panamensis (Brittle Star)
Author(s) -
Schechter Joel,
Lucero Juan
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1051240405
Subject(s) - biology , anatomy , connective tissue , coelom , stomach , cuticle (hair) , esophagus , epithelium , biochemistry , genetics
The Brittle Star digestive system is composed of buccal, pharyngeal, esophageal and stomach cavities. The buccal and pharyngeal cavities are lined by columnar cells covered by a cuticle, and are apparently concerned with mucous production. Coelomocytes and tall columnar cells are described in the esophagus and stomach epithelia. The columnar cells are adapted for nutrient absorption, enzyme synthesis, and lipid storage. Nerves are found beneath the epithelia within a connective tissue layer. Smooth muscle and coelomic layers lie external to the connective tissue layer. The coelomic layer lines a perivisceral space and has diverse modifications of its perivisceral surface; a pedicle‐cuticle modification perhaps having general significance in echinoderms.