Xenentodon is a purely carnivorous fish. Its alimentary canal is divided into—(a) Buccal cavity and pharynx (b) Oesophagus (c) Stomach-intestine (d) Rectum The inner lips are present but a typical palatine organ is missing. Instead the tongue mass forms a pad which fits into a corresponding depression in the roof of the mouth. The inner lip and the tongue mass not only help in respiration but also in holding the prey.
There is a large sac-like structure representing both the stomach and intestine.
The pancreatic and bile ducts open separately on a papilla in the stomach-intestine.
An ilio-rectal valve is present.
Mucosa of the alimentary canal differs in the different regions.
The mechanism of swallowing is quite interesting and shows adaptation for catching and swallowing a living prey.
Buccal cavity is lined by stratified epithelium in which unicellular mucous glands, sensory papillae as well as the taste buds ar e present.
The alimentary canal is composed of serosal, muscularis, subm ucosal and mucosal components. The thickness of these componen ts varies in the different parts.
Apart from the mucosal glands, cells resembling the parietal cells of the mammals, appear to be present in the stomach-intestine.
The liver is enclosed in a fibrous tissue capsule. Two to three hepatic cells are found between any two blood sinusoids.
Bile capillaries are minute canals between the hepatic cells.
The gall bladder is made up of an internal epithelium, a large circular muscle layer and a thin peritoneal layer on the outside. The same layers are continued into the bile duct.
Pancreas is mainly intrahepatic. Both the extra- and intrahepatic portion of pancreas have a thin outer covering.
The endocrine portion of pancreas stains lighter than the exocrine portion.
There is a single islet of Langerhans.
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