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stomodeum

1. A midline ectodermal depression ventral to the embryonic brain and surrounded by the mandibular arch; when the buccopharyngeal membrane disappears it becomes continuous with the foregut and forms the mouth.

Synonym: stomatodeum.

2. The anterior portion of the insect alimentary canal, consisting of mouth, buccal cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, crop (frequently a diverticulum), and the proventriculus.

Origin: Mod. L. Fr. G. Stoma, mouth, _ hodaios, on the way, fr. Hodos, a way