Ultrastructural Studies on the Gizzard of Kadaknath Fowl

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy of gizzard revealed that it was composed of inner most kaolin layer comprising of raised deposition connected with tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa. Transmission electron-microscopy of gizzard showed that the surface epithelial cells were taller than the cells lining the crypts. Cells were containing numerous mitochondria, Golgi bodies with vesicles and basally positioned nuclei of varying shapes. Chief cells were having numerous secretory granules and microvilli at the free surface of the cell. Basal cells were slightly bigger than chief cells having bulbous tipped stubby microvilli at the free surface.