Morphological, histochemical and histological study of the ileum in the Iraqi Black Partridge (Francolinus francolinus)

Objective: This project aimed to study the morphological description and histological structure of ileum in Iraqi black partridge (Francolinus francolinus). Methods: To conduct this investigation, 20 healthy Iraqi black partridge were collected from local suppliers. Birds were euthanized, dissected and then specimens were processed for histological and histochemical staining techniques. Results: A morphological study showed that the ileum appears as a short narrow tubular structure. It extends from the wide end of the jejunum and ends in the Ileo-caecal junction region. Histologically, the wall ileum consists of four tunica mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The mucosa was lined by simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells. The muscularis mucosa is arranged in two thick layers of smooth muscle fibers, outer longitudinal and inner circular bundles. The tunica submucosa was a thin layer of fibrous connective tissue. Tunica serosa was loose connective tissue covered by mesothelium. The goblet cells gave a positive reaction with PAS stain. Conclusion: Goblet cells neutral mucopolysaccharide secretions; in fact, the latter stain is an indicator mucin substance which are very important in digestion and absorption and subsequent body growth of the bird.