Morphology of the Digestive Tract of the Cod, Gadus morhua

Abstract

The morphology of the digestive tract of the cod (Gadus morhua) was studied from dissections and histological sections.The stomach of the cod is between the siphonal and caecal types described by Grasse; and has well-developed glands compared to other teleosts. Glands are also present in the numerous pyloric caeca and intestine, and it appears that the constant replacement of the epithelial cells occurs from these. "Pear-shaped" cells which could be enzyme-producing are present in both the epithelium and glands of the ileum and pyloric caeca.The pancreas of the cod is diffuse. Islets of Langerhans were found in the pancreatic tissue along the bile duct as well as at the apex of the gall bladder as described by McCormick and between the pyloric caeca as described by Rennie.