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Anatomy

This rotifer was collected in a temporary pool near Temple Texas. It has a closed digestive system. It is clear and sacklike. The large spherical structure is the stomach. A pair of gastric glands can be seen just to the right of the stomach. To the lower right of the stomach is the vitellarium where eggs and embryos are produced. By following the esophagus to the right of the stomach, two salivary glands can be barely seen. Many structures are contained in the dark mass to the far right which include a band of cilia that surrounds the mouth and the trophi which captures food (neither can be seen in this picture). One small embryo can be seen at the lower left of the stomach.