The hepatic bay is a hollow outgrowth of the intestinal tube in the lancelet, which is the prototype of the liver of vertebrates.
In the lancelet, the simplest chordate animal, a small hollow process of the midgut is formed during embryonic development. This outgrowth is called the hepatic bay and performs functions similar to those of the liver in vertebrates.
In the hepatic bay, processes necessary for normal digestion and metabolism occur: accumulation of fats and glycogen, protein synthesis, detoxification of harmful substances. The cells of the bay wall phagocytose the breakdown products of blood cells.
Thus, the liver bay of the lancelet is considered an evolutionary predecessor, the prototype of the liver of vertebrates. It performs similar functions, but has a simpler structure.
The hepatic bay is a hollow outgrowth of the intestinal tube, which is the prototype of the liver in vertebrates. It is present in many species, including lancelets.
The hepatic bay is a cavity that is filled with blood and has many functions, including filtering blood, producing bile, and storing nutrients. It is also involved in the process of digestion and metabolism in the body.
In the lancelet, the liver bay has a unique structure and function. It consists of two chambers connected to each other by a narrow channel. Each chamber contains blood, which passes through the liver and is filtered. Filtration of the blood removes waste and toxins from the blood.
In addition, the hepatic bay in lancelets plays an important role in the development of the embryo. It serves as a site for the development of the liver and other organs. It also participates in the formation of the body's immune system.
Although the hepatic bay is an important organ in lancelets, it has no analogues in other vertebrates and represents a unique example of evolutionary adaptation.