Structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract of the Florida manatee,Trichechus manatus latirostris

摘要: Background The Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris (Sirenia: Trichechidae), is the largest herbivorous marine mammal. Previously, components of gastrointestinal (GI) tract species have been described, but no comprehensive descriptions gross and microscopic anatomy existed. This study integrates function structure entire manatee GI tract. Methods The tracts several recently dead manatees were examined from following viewpoints: anatomical studies preserved unpreserved specimens, histology histochemistry, ultrastructure. Results The has an enlarged hindgut, as do other non-ruminant herbivores (i.e., hindgut digesters such horses), it also important adaptations not seen in most mammals. These structural include a discrete accessory digestive gland (the cardiac gland), submucosal mucous glands along greater curvature stomach, unkeratinized, stratified squamous epithelial cells overlying glandular mucosae pyloric antrum, midgut cecum, colon, rectum. Conclusions The described above may relate to osmoregulation well herbivory. The similar those members Order Sirenia that green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), shows superficial similarities phylogenetically close Orders, Proboscidea Hyracoidea. immense size both its large intestine suggests that, relative smaller digesters, slow rate passage digesta efficient breakdown fibrous plant material. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.