Histology of gizzard-duodenal junction in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The gizzard-duodenal junction in Japanese quail was delineated by constriction of the muscularis mucosa fonning a fold of muscularis and lamina propria. Aggregates of lymphoid tissue was present in the junction. The duodenal villi were spatula-shaped. Coiled tubular glands were present in the lamina properia. Numerous goblet cell were present in the surface epithelium and glands. A muscularis mucosa and a very thin submucosawas present. Tunica muscular is consisted of inner thick circular and outer thin longitudinal muscle fibres. Externally there was the serous investment.