Architectural pattern of the mucosal epithelium of the alimentary canal of Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) and Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters): a comparative study

Abstract

The stratified epithelial cells of the buccopharynx and oesophagus are provided with simple and unbranched microridges in Notopterus notopterus. On the contrary, highly complex microridges on the epithelial cells of buccopharynx and oesophagus are characteristic feature of Orenchromis mossambicus. In both the fishes the gastric mucosa is provided with various minor folds forming empty concavities. The concavities are comparatively deeper in N. notoprerus. In the intestine of N. notopterus the mucosal folds are comparatively thinner and simpler than O. mossambicus. However, the presence of highly compact and slender microvilli of the columnar epithelial cells in the intestine of N. notopterus is the characteristic feature of a short gut. The complex arrangement of: mucosal folds forming irregular pockets in the luminal wall of the rectum in N. notopterus permits the greater elasticity for accommodating the undigested food. On the other hand, in O. mossambicus the mucosal folds are comparatively thinner.