In:
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 85, No. 5 ( 2005-10), p. 1141-1144
Abstract:
video observation of oral gastric eversion in a free-living caribbean reef shark ( carcharhinus perezi ) shows voluntary gastric eversion followed by retraction not only occurs, but is extremely rapid (lasting ∼0.3 s). eversion may occur by stomach relaxation–oesophageal contraction coupled with increased abdominal pressures to enable prolapse, and retraction by a mechanism analogous to suction feeding. this behaviour provides a ‘cleansing’ function for removing indigestible food particles, parasites or mucus from the stomach lining. sharks, and possibly other animals with similar gut morphologies, may use this technique to help maintain a healthy alimentary tract.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0025-3154
,
1469-7769
DOI:
10.1017/S0025315405012208
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2005
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1491269-7
detail.hit.zdb_id:
281325-7
SSG:
12
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