Premium
Gross Morphology of the Intra‐Oral rhamphotheca , Oropharynx and Proximal Oesophagus of the Emu ( Dromaius novaehollandiae )
Author(s) -
Crole M. R.,
Soley J. T.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
anatomia, histologia, embryologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1439-0264
pISSN - 0340-2096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2010.00998.x
Subject(s) - anatomy , biology , digestive tract , oral cavity , gross anatomy , medicine , dentistry
With 5 figures Summary Information on the gross morphology of the upper digestive tract of ratites is sparse. This is an important region considering that it is the first area for food selection and intake which is vital to the nutrition and growth of the animal and therefore its commercial viability. Twenty‐three heads from sub‐adult (12–14 months) emus were used to provide a definitive description of the oropharynx and proximal oesophagus. Besides supplying baseline morphological data of veterinary importance, this study also underlines the functional importance of this region. The mandibular and maxillary nails, and serrations on the rostral mandibular tomia, provide the emu with a formidable combination of gripping, tearing and pecking power. The folded oropharyngeal floor allows distention of the dorso‐ventrally flattened cavity during eating and drinking. The laryngeal mound performs both respiratory and digestive functions, whereas the distensible proximal oesophagus supports the particular feeding method employed by ratites.