[A special closure system of the gastrointestinal tract of the rat (author's transl)].

As a result of animal experiments, morpho-histologic and surgical findings, the presence of a new closure system of the gastrointestinal tract is described. The mode of action is different from that of all the known muscle sphincters. It is found in the ascending colon of the rat and consists of a specially arranged and adjustable mucosal folds with aunique vascularisation. A functional unit which comosed of a pair of folds and a vascular plexus constitute the valvular mechanism. We, therefore, consider appropriate to call it the Angioplical Closure System. Surgical reversion of even a very small portion of the system causes a lethal ileus.