Vol. 8, Issue 4, Part A (2023)

This study investigated the histological characteristics and histochemical properties of the proventriculus in pigeons. The luminal surface of the proventriculus exhibited papillae surrounded by folds, with plicae and sulci structures. The epithelium lining the folds consisted of columnar cells with round to oval nuclei. Proventricular glands were found in the deeper part of the lamina propria, organized in lobules opening through excretory ducts. The lamina muscularis, tunica submucosa, and tunica muscularis exhibited characteristic layers of connective tissue and smooth muscle fibers. The outermost layer, tunica serosa, consisted of loose connective tissue and blood vessels. The histological observations were consistent with previous studies in various bird species, although the location of proventricular glands differed in the pigeon proventriculus compared to turkeys. Micrometry measurements revealed the thickness of different layers in the proventriculus. Histochemical analysis indicated the presence of acidic and neutral mucosubstances in the epithelium, lamina propria, proventricular glands, and other layers. Elastic fibers were detected in blood vessels and the lamina propria.

In summary, this study provides a detailed histological and histochemical characterization of the pigeon proventriculus, expanding our understanding of its structural composition. These findings contribute to the existing knowledge base and serve as a reference for future research on avian digestive physiology and comparative anatomy.