Examination of Structural Differences in Gill Vasculature Among Some Batiod Elasmobranchs Using Corrosion Casting and SEM

Abstract

Classic studies of gill vasculature indicate the gross anatomy of elasmobranch gills is similar in most species, and in general, resembles those of teleosts. However, studies of fine gill structure examining arterio-arterial pathways in several species of batoid elasmobranchs (Order: Rajiiformes, Suborder: Myliobatoidei) have reported some structural differences. These differences include the presence, in urolophids (Urolophus jamaicensis, U. mucosus, U. paucimaculatus), of 1) a tip channel, possibly an extension of the afferent filament artery that runs along the top of the filament corpus cavernosum, and 2) a vascular arcade, a vessel which connects the afferent filament arteries of a hemibranch near the tip of each filament (FIG. I). Until recently these structures were believed to be unique to the urolophids as they were not previously found in either rajids (Raja erinacea, R. clavata) or the shark Scyliorhinus canicula. Animals of mixed species and sexes were collected, perfused, and acrylic casts made of the circulatory system.