abstract:An endostyle is a longitudinal ciliated groove on the ventral wall of the pharynx which produces mucus to gather food particles. It is found in urochordates and cephalochordates, and in the larvae of lampreys.
Compared with the thyroid gland ofgrey mullet, the endostyleofamphioxus is primitive. It is an open groove and has lots ofcillia adjacent to the pharynx lumen.