THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND ITS FUNCTION IN<i>FUNDULUS HETEROCLITUS</i>

Abstract

1. That Fundulus heteroclitus does not possess a stomach is shown by the following evidence: (a) There is absolute absence of pepsin and hydrochloric acid in the digestive juices. (b) Every phase of digestion takes place in an alkaline medium. (c) The first part of the intestine (duodenum) is joined directly to the œsophagus. (d) The bile and pancreatic juice are poured into the gut only a few millimeters (3 or 4) below the œsophagus. (e) The duodenum is capable of dilating to form a container for food. 2. Extracts of the intestinal mucous membrane manifest an amylolytic, a lipolytic and an ereptic digestive action. They probably contain also an enterokinase. 3. The gall-bladder bile contains a trypsinogen, a prolipase and an amylase. The origin of these enzymes must be investigated further, because they could be admixed to the bile from the layer of pancreatic tissue surrounding the gall-bladder, during its collection.