Histogenesis of the stomach of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

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.Keywords: Embryo, Proventriculus, Ventriculus, Guinea fowl, Numida meleagri