Describe the function and components of the mucosal barrier of the stomach. Protects the stomach from autodigestion Components Thick coating of bicarbonate-rich mucus Tight junctions of the epithelial cells Plasma membrane of gastric glands are impermeable to HCl.
World Range & Habitat. Sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus, are found only in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic, in the coastal seas off the North East USA, Nova Scotia, southern Greenland, the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia. They are also found in the Great Lakes and enters inland freshwater rivers and streams to breed.
The lamprey uses its suction cup-like mouth to attach itself to the skin of a fish and rasps away tissue with its sharp, probing tongue and keratinized teeth. Secretions in the lamprey's mouth prevent the victim's blood from clotting. Victims typically die from excessive blood loss or infection.