Nomenclature of the Vertebrate Gut

Abstract

IT is, of course, well known to all zoologists that certain names have been applied to structures in different animals without due regard to the real significance either of the name or of the structure, with the result that bv now these names have lost their definiteness and with it their scientific utility. This is particularly the case of certain terms used to designate parts of the vertebrate alimentary canal, and this letter is to ask for criticism upon the following attempt to clear up at least part of the matter. Excluding many names which still have a sufficiently accurate meaning for all practical purposes (although they vary widely in significance, as some are simply topographical, others presume a similarity of function, while others again imply a true homology), I want to focus attention upon the terms ‘œsophagus,’ ‘stomach,’ ‘small and large intestine,’ and ‘rectum.’