Observations of the Gross and Microscopic Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tracts of the Heath Mouse Pseudomys shortridgei and the Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus (Rodentia: Muridae).

Abstract

Gastrointestinal tracts of the Heath Mouse Pseudomys shortridgei and the Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus were examined. Each species had a relatively simple stomach divided into non-glandular and glandular areas, a well-developed caecum, and long mucosal folds within the proximal colon. The observed gut anatomy of both species is consistent with possible adaptation to hindgut fermentation.