The Microstructure of Oviduct in Laying Turkey Hen as Observed by Light and Scanning Electron Microscopies

3 Abstract: In the sexually active bird the oviduct is a tortuous tube extending from the single ovary to the cloaca and occupying a large part of the abdominal cavity. Distinctive structural variation at different levels allows its subdivision into five principle parts as infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland and vagina. The morphologic characteristics of the oviduct in 8 mature laying turkey was studied by light and scanning electron microscopies. Result revealed that the mucosal membrane of the oviduct possesses the complex luminal folds covered by ciliated columnar epithelium with secretory cells. The infindibulum presented a cranial opening with thin and long fimbriae. The luminal side showed distinct longitudinal primary and secondary folds. In the magnum, the folds were thicker and filled with tubular glands. Its luminal side had longitudinal broad folds. The isthmus is short and had fewer folds. The isthmal folds were less voluminous than in the magnum. A bag shaped uterus showed thin folds. In the luminal side primary folds with discrete secondary folds were seen. The vagina had long transverse luminal folds with no gland and thick muscular tunic. In conclusion the oviduct in laying turkey has morphological similarities with the other species of birds' expect in some few points.