Journal article

Publication year: 1984

Pages: 67-78

Journal: Zoomorphology

Volume number: 104

Issue number: 2

ISSN: 0720-213X

eISSN: 1432-234X

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00312020

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
The anatomy of the cecum of the West Indian manatee (T. manatus) is described at the macroscopic and microscopic [inlcuding light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy] levels. The cecum possesses a voluminous corpus ceci with 2 lateral outpocketings; 2 diverticulae (cecal horns) extend from the corpus at the vicinity of the ileocecal junction. An ampulla ceci is found distal to the corpus ceci, the 2 compartments communicating via a wide-opened orifice. The most striking microscopic finding is the mucosal covering of a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium overlying the crypts of Lieberkuhn. An attempt is made to interpret the morphological observations in terms of the functional digestive process in the manatee, giving alternative suggestions concerning the significance of the cecum and colon in the nutritional status of the manatee.

Harvard Citation style: SNIPES, R. (1984) ANATOMY OF THE CECUM OF THE WEST-INDIAN MANATEE, TRICHECHUS-MANATUS (MAMMALIA, SIRENIA), Zoomorphology, 104(2), pp. 67-78. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00312020

APA Citation style: SNIPES, R. (1984). ANATOMY OF THE CECUM OF THE WEST-INDIAN MANATEE, TRICHECHUS-MANATUS (MAMMALIA, SIRENIA). Zoomorphology. 104(2), 67-78. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00312020