midgut

[ mid-guht ]

noun

1. Zoology.
   1. the middle portion of the vertebrate alimentary canal, posterior to the stomach or gizzard and extending to the cecum, functioning in the digestion and absorption of food; the small intestine.
   2. the anterior portion of the arthropod colon, composed of endodermal tissue.
2. Embryology. the middle part of the embryonic alimentary canal from which the intestines develop.

midgut

/ ˈmɪdˌɡʌt /

noun

1. the middle part of the digestive tract of vertebrates, including the small intestine
2. the middle part of the digestive tract of arthropods

Word History and Origins

Origin of midgut¹

First recorded in 1870–75; mid- + gut

Example Sentences

Fortunately for scientists, the digestive system of certain mosquito larvae, including Ae. aegypti, is unique: A pH spikes at the beginning of their midgut, creating a highly alkaline region, then tapers off to a more neutral pH environment as digestion continues.

From Science Daily

So, Michael Riehle, John Jewett and colleagues wanted to develop molecular probes that would react to this change in pH, only "activating" in the alkaline portion of the midgut.

From Science Daily

In the alkaline midgut, the two new base-reactive molecules underwent a series of chemical changes, allowing them to bind to proteins in the gut and be detected by the researchers using fluorescence.

From Science Daily

"We suspect that normal cells turn into soldier cells upon ingestion in response to insect host nutrients. Toxin secretion is pH sensitive, which delays its release until the soldier cells reach the alkaline posterior midgut, their major theatre of operations," says Raunser.

From Science Daily

For a mosquito to become infected with SARS-CoV-2, it would have to feed on the blood of an infected person, acquire the virus, which would have to pass into the midgut of the mosquito, infect the salivary glands, replicate and then be passed to another person during a second blood meal.

From Washington Times