Surface morphology of quail ovaries in late embryonic stages

Embryonic quail ovaries were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The same as in many bird species, the quail ovary degenerated on the right side, and normal development occurred only on the left side. The surface of the developing left ovary had a rough appearance. The epithelial cell surface was extremely swollen with many globular protrusions, and the cell borders were lined by ridge-like protrusions. On the other hand, the degenerating right ovarian surface was rather smooth in appearance. Each cell surface had a few short microvilli. Several stomata were found near the border between the ovary and mesonephros in the posterior region of the right ovary. The size and number of stomata were variable, but tended to increase in the later stages. These findings were compared with those in the chick ovary, and a discussion is included.