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Figure 5 | Frontiers in Zoology

Figure 5

From: Comparative morphology of the axial complex and interdependence of internal organ systems in sea urchins (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Figure 5

Schematic representation of the mesenterial suspension of the axial complex in various higher sea urchin taxa. The drawings demonstrate the impact of the gastric caecum on the architecture of the axial complex. Upper three lines: dorso-ventral mesentery always depicted on the right-hand side. Dashed lines indicate course of the oesophagus or the axial complex (Micrasterina). Lower line: Ventral view of the digestive tract and the axial complex in the vicinity of the oesophagus of highly derived irregular sea urchin taxa (Atelostomata) – note the extension of the mesentery. The grey-scale legend denominates every structure shown. dt = digestive tract, gc = gastric caecum, oe = oesophagus, re = rectum.

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Frontiers in Zoology

ISSN: 1742-9994