The intestinal loops of bluegill fish, Lepomis macrochirus.

Abstract

The structural configurations of the intestinal loops of bluegill fish (Lepomis macrochirus) and a correlation of their probable functional significance have been investigated. The bluegill fish accommodates its relatively large intestine in its smaller body cavity by developing two intestinal loops. Regional variations in the intestinal wall exist due to the presence of the intestinal loops. The structural complexity of the intestine by loop formation has apparently created a problem by posing an obstruction as well as deviation to the smooth flow of food. In order to solve this problem structural modifications in the walls of the intestinal loops are needed, as is observed by the variation in muscle thickness of greater and lesser curvature of both the intestinal loops.