Palate of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo): Gross Anatomical, Light and Scanning Electron Microscopical Study

This investigation aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of the palate of bronze black turkey by gross anatomy, light and scanning electron microscopy. The oral roof (palate) constitutes 87.73% of the oropharyngeal roof length, comprising two parts; rostral and caudal. The rostral part of is characterized by the presence of median palatine ridge, rostral and caudal lateral palatine ridges, narrow part of the choanal slit and three rows of palatine papillae. The median palatine ridge shows rostral continued and caudal interrupted parts. This ridge as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) bears 4-5 transverse furrows at the level of the beginning of the caudal lateral palatine ridges. Numerous Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive compound tubular mucous maxillary, palatine and sphenopterygoid salivary glands are distributed in the mucosa of the palate. From all above mentioned, it's clear that the palate in turkey reveals some different anatomical features in compared with that of the other birds

Gross Anatomical, Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on the Pharyngeal Roof of Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo): Comparative Study

The present study was carried out to investigate the histomorphological features of the turkey's pharyngeal roof using light and scanning electron microscopy. Studied parts from the roof of the turkey's pharynx were processed and stained by convential stains to illustrate the mucosa, salivary glands, and connective tissue infiltration. Also, Scanning electron investigations were applied on pharyngeal papillae and pharyngeoseophageal junction. Grossly, the pharyngeal roof was shown to constitute about 12.27% of the oropharyngeal roof length, continue rostrally with the oral roof at the level located between the choanal and infundibular slits, and terminate caudally at the pharyngeoesophageal junction, demarcated by a transverse row of caudally directed conical papillae. Numerous different sized and shaped caudally directed pharyngeal papillae were distributed in the roof of the pharynx. Histologically, the pharyngeal mucosa demonstrated pharyngeal folds, intraepithelial mucous glands, abundant lymphoid infiltration and lymphatic nodules, in addition to intraepithelial sensory corpuscles. Numerous compound tubular mucous sphenopterygoid salivary glands were observed in the mucosa of the pharyngeal roof. This study in conclusion provided comprehensive information on the structure of the pharyngeal roof of the turkey, comparing these findings with those of other birds

Morphological Studies on the Upper Beak of Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

This study was carried out to provide a detailed description about the upper beak of turkey, regarding its gross anatomical, light and scanning electron microscopic morphology. The upper beak extends in a hook like infront of the lower beak. It measures 53.80 mm long. The height and width of the upper beak increase caudalwards. SEM shows that the tip and the lateral sides of the upper beak are covered with numerous flakes of keratin. At the free tip of the beak, these keratinized flakes have an irregular appearance which may be due to desquamation of the epithelium during manipulation of foods. Immediately in front of the angle of the mouth, the lateral edge of the upper beak is characterized by the presence of transverse furrows which giving it a serrated appearance. The upper beak of the turkey consists of a bony support covered by dermal and epidermal layers