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The development of the chicken small intestine: a scanning electron microscopy study
O Sabatakou1, E Paraskevakou, S Tseleni-Balafouta
1National Agricultural Research Foundation, Agia Paraskevi, Greece. sabatakou.ivra@nagref.gr
Journal of Submicroscopic Cytology and Pathology
|December 24, 2003
Summary
Chicken small intestine development shows previllous ridges forming villi. Post-hatching, villi elongate, and crypts develop, lined by microvilli-covered cells and goblet cells.
Area of Science:
- Avian biology
- Developmental anatomy
- Gastrointestinal morphology
Background:
- The small intestine's surface morphology is crucial for nutrient absorption.
- Understanding avian intestinal development aids in optimizing poultry farming and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental changes in the chicken small intestine surface.
- To characterize the formation of villi and crypts from embryonic to post-hatch stages.
Main Methods:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed.
- Samples were collected from chickens at various developmental stages (11th day of fetal development to 60 days post-hatch).
Main Results:
- Previllous ridges were observed preceding the formation of definite villi.
- Villi appeared finger-like and varied in length during incubation, elongating post-hatching.
- Crypts developed late in incubation and increased in size with age.
- The intestinal surface was lined by columnar epithelial cells with dense microvilli and goblet cell openings.
Conclusions:
- Chicken small intestine development involves a distinct sequence of ridge and villus formation.
- Post-hatch development leads to more mature villi and crypt structures.
- The characterized surface features are essential for the functional maturation of the chicken gut.