EVIDENCE OF BRAIN-WARMING IN THE MOBULID RAYS, MOBULA-TARAPACANA AND MANTA-BIROSTRIS (CHONDRICHTHYES, ELASMOBRANCHII, BATOIDEA, MYLIOBATIFORMES)

Authors
ALEXANDER RL
Citation
Rl. Alexander, EVIDENCE OF BRAIN-WARMING IN THE MOBULID RAYS, MOBULA-TARAPACANA AND MANTA-BIROSTRIS (CHONDRICHTHYES, ELASMOBRANCHII, BATOIDEA, MYLIOBATIFORMES), Zoological journal of the Linnean Society, 118(2), 1996, pp. 151-164
Citations number
34
Categorie Soggetti
Zoology
Journal title
Zoological journal of the Linnean Society → ACNP
ISSN journal
00244082
Volume
118
Issue
2
Year of publication
1996
Pages
151 - 164
Database
ISI
SICI code
0024-4082(1996)118:2<151:EOBITM>2.0.ZU;2-D
Abstract
The presence of cranial retia mirabilia in rays of the genus Mobula is well established. Although previously regarded as consisting exclusiv ely of arteries, the presence of veins has now been established in gro ss dissections of the rete in the mobuild, Manta birostris. Histologic al examination of the retia in Manta birostris and Mobula tarapacana c onfirms the presence of veins. These findings suggest the presence of a counter-current heat-exchanger that warms the brain. (C) 1996 The Li nnean Society of London.