Abstract:
The histogenesis of the stomach (proventriculus and ventriculus) of helmeted guinea
fowl (Numida meleagris) was studied using light microscopy and histochemical
techniques. Fifteen (15) embryos were utilized for this study. The result showed that at
10th and 13th days of embryonic development, the primordial proventriculus and
ventriculus were lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium surrounded by
mesenchyme connective tissue. At 19th day of embryonic development, the epithelium of
the proventriculus and ventriculus as well as the proventricular glands was lined by
simple cuboidal epithelium. Tunics; tunica muscularis and serosa were evident at this
stage. At 23rd day of embryonic development, tubular glands of the ventriculus became
canalized. The 27th day of embryonic develoment of the primordial proventriculus
showed an organized glandular lobules, central cavity and prominent muscle layer while
the ventriculus showed the presence of cuticle, simple tubular glands, loose connective
tissues of the lamina propria and muscle layer. This study has shown that primordial
stomach appeared to be completly differentiated to definitive stomach by the 27th day
with the potential of commencing functional role.
