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Aspects of the ultrastructure of the alimentary canal and respiratory ducts in Xenopus laevis larvae
Author(s) -
Fox H.,
Bailey Elaine,
Mahoney R.
Publication year - 1972
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.1051380402
Subject(s) - biology , anatomy , pharynx , cilium , ultrastructure , alimentary tract , respiratory system , histology , climax , larva , ecology , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , genetics
The pharynx, intestine and respiratory duct of Xenopus laevis were examined by light and electron microscopy, at different stages of the metamorphic cycle, through climax. It is well known that preclimactic larvae are suspension feeders and that after climax specimens feed on solid food. It is shown that the histology of the pharynx and the alimentary canal changes in adaptation to the change in the mode of feeding. Suspension feeding utilises ciliary activity but after climax cilia have disappeared from the pharynx and alimentary canal, when new neuromuscular mechanisms are utilised in feeding. Other morpho‐histological changes in various intestinal and respiratory tissues are likewise considered in terms of functional activity.