Histogenesis of the pancreas of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)*

Abstract

The pancreatic primordia in the Japanese quail appeared in the gut wall closer to the liver primordia, by 72 hr of incubation. Vascularization and pancreatic ducts were clearly discernible by 120 hr of incubation. Lobular pattern of pancreas was observed in 168 hr of incubated embryos. Islets appeared by 192 hr of incubation. Well organized lobules were observed at 216 hr of incubation. A gradual increase in the cellular population of both the exocrine and endocrine pancreas was observed from 240 hr of incubation onwards. The mucosa of the major pancreatic duct lined by simple columnar epithelium with a few goblet cells became folded by 360 hr of incubation.