The Digestive Tract Of The False Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigrita) From River Benue Nigeria: A Micro-Morphological Investigation
September 28, 2019
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| Article Title: | The Digestive Tract Of The False Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigrita) From River Benue Nigeria: A Micro-Morphological Investigation |
| Authors: | Ikpegbu E., Ibe C. S., Nlebedum U. C. |
| Affiliation: | 1Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria |
| Abstract: | The digestive tract histology of the false upside down catfish (Synodontis nigrita) was investigated to fill knowledge gap and provide data for further studies. The jaws were lined by stratified squamous epithelium containing eosinophilic club cells, mucous cells and lymphocytes. This epithelial covering may be related to protective function from pathogens and predators. The oesophagus presented abundant mucous cells in stratified squamous epithelium. These mucous cells help lubricate the tract during passage for food materials as the teleost lack salivary glands. The stomach was lined by simple columnar cells containing intra-epithelial lmphocytes which contribute to local immune response. The intestine was sacculated and mucosa was lined by simple columnar epithelium containing abundant goblet cells and lymphocytes. An intestine-rectal valve separated the rectum from the intestine. In conclusion, the digestive tract of the false upside down catfish (Synodontis nigrita) is adaptive to its feeding and lifestyle in the aquatic wild environment. |
| Keywords: | taste bud, pharyngeal pad, gastric glands, sacculations |
| *Correspondence: | Ikbegbu Ekele, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, ikpegbu.ekele@mouau.edu.ng; fikpegbu@yahoo.com, Mobile : +2348060775754 |
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