In this article we will discuss about the digestive system of balanoglossus with the help of suitable diagrams. Alimentary Canal: In Balanoglossus, the alimentary canal is a straight tube. Its anterior opening, the mouth, is wide and circular and situated on the ventral side in a groove between the proboscis stalk and collarette. The mouth remains open constantly. The posterior [...]
In this article we will discuss about the external morphology of balanoglossus with the help of suitable diagrams. Shape, Size and Colouration: The body of Balanoglossus is soft, elongated, cylindrical, bilaterally symmetrical, being richly ciliated all over and covered with mucus. The length of animal varies from 2 cm to 2.5 meters according to species. Most forms are drab coloured, [...]
In Balanoglossus, there is no definite endoskeleton but there are four structures of a supporting nature, they are a buccal diverticulum, proboscis skeleton, branchial skeleton, and a pygochord. 1. Buccal Diverticulum: Buccal diverticulum is a hollow pre-oral outgrowth, extending from the roof of the buccal cavity into the proboscis. It was for a long time also called a notochord or [...]