The small and the large i n testines of six
Platanista whose body length ranged from 76 to 127 cm were observed macro- and light microscopically and the following results were obtained.
The duodenum consists of a funnel-shaped d u odenal ampulla and duodenum proper with no sphincter between them. The hepatopancreatic duct opens into the duodenum proper and the duodenal ampulla may deposit secreted bile. The inner surface of the ampulla is smooth, devoid of circular plicae. The Brunner's gland cannot be seen in any part of the duodenum.
The circular plicae w h ich begin at the duodenum proper almost disappear at the last ca.50 cm of the ileum. Instead, a distinct longitudinal fold, ca 30 cm long, was observed at the last part of the ileum. The lamina propria mucosae of this fold and its neighboring wall of the ileum contain many well-developed lymphatic nodules.
A distinct caecum was found at the juncture between the ileum and the colon.
The colon has no memorable transverse portion and continues to the short, rectum. No signs of teniae and haustrae were found on the caecum and the colon. The anus, from the anal orifice to the recto-anal epithelial transition, is very long.
The goblet cells are very scarce i n the small and the large intestines, except for the rectum.
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