Mastax in rotifers functions in
Mastax represents muscular pharyngeal gizzard unique to rotifers, housing complex sclerotized trophi composed of fulcrum, rami forming incus, and mallei bearing unci manubria articulating like jaws. Contraction of radial and circular muscles moves trophi grinding crushing or grasping food particles before passage to esophagus and gastric glands secreting enzymes. Trophi morphology divides rotifers into malleate filter feeders, virgate piercers, forcipate predators, incudate scrapers reflecting herbivory carnivory or omnivory. This grinding replaces oral chewing, enhancing digestion efficiency.
Ref: Campbell Biology, 12th ed., Chapter 33: Rotifera mastax trophi grinding function
