title: Scanning electron microscopic study of the intestinal mucosa of an Indian freshwater adult major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton).
abstract: Fine anatomical structures of the different regions (viz., anterior, middle and posterior) of the intestinal mucosa in adult Labeo rohita (Hamilton) have been studied by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Surface mucosal modifications of the anterior and the middle of the intestine not only increase the luminal surface by 2-4 times but serve also the storage function of the ingested food due to the absence of stomach in the fish studied. Fine anatomical structures of the columnar epithelial and goblet cells of the mucosa have been studied in detail. The height and complexity of the microridges on the luminal end of each columnar cells in the various regions vary greatly probably due to the functional variations of the region concerned. Communication between the columnar cells and the sub-mucosal layer through the basement membrane is effected by circular orifices. A pear-shaped apical portion provided with prominent microridges of the goblet cell probably allows the mechanical stress to develop for the accumulation of secretory mucins.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002347:Carps / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003530:Cyprinidae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005618:Fresh Water; D007194:India; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning