Histological and histochemical aspects of the digestive tract of lyciasalamandra billae arikani Göçmen & akman, 2012 (Urodela: Salamandridae)

2-s2.0-85077888459The present study describes the histological and histochemical features of the digestive tract of Lyciasalamandra billae arikani Göçmen & Akman, 2012. The wall of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine are formed by four layers from inside to outside: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa and adventitia or serosa. The oesophageal epithelium of L. billae arikani consists of ciliated columnar epithelial cells with many goblet cells. The inner surface of the stomach mucosa is lined by columnar mucus-secreting cells. The small intestine has many deep folds lined by cylindrical cells and goblet cells. The mucosa of the large intestine had small folds, which are lined by columnar epithelial cells. An increased number of goblet cells is observed from the small intestine to the large intestine. According to the histochemical results, the secretion of mucous cells has distinct properties (neutral, acidic and sulphated glycoproteins) characteristic for the different parts of the digestive system. The secretion of mucous cells participates in maintaining tissue moisture, has protective functions against chemicals and pathogens as well as contributes to the reduction of mechanical friction by lubricating. © 2019 Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved