The morphogenesis of the stomach and intestine in the salamander Ambystoma maculatum

The major events associated with the morphogenesis of the amphibian alimentary tract are described and illustrated with a series of photomicrographs that present a continuous account of the differentiation process from its onset at stage 38 until the initiation of feeding at stage 46. Histological evidence is presented for the normal disappearance of the midgut region of the archenteron and the de novo formation of the intestine through the yolk mass. The mechanics of intestinal lumen formation are discussed in terms of the dynamic autonomous actions and interactions of the endoderm and the splanchnic mesoderm. The opening of the intestinal lumen as a consequence of cytolysis or cellular digestion is discounted. The relation of the present observations to the previously described polar endoderm cells is considered.