Scanning electron microscopic observations of the development of the chicken caecum.

Abstract

The surface pattern of the caeca of the chicken was examined using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) in stages ranging from 11th day of foetal development to 60 days of post-natal life. During incubation the proximal region (basis) of the caecum presented a few irregular elevations, which were later regarded as villi and after hatching, gradually, became longer and wider. These structures were found to be similar to those of the small intestine. The middle (corpus) and distal (apex) regions of caecum presented ridges/folds with short and blunt villi that were even shorter in the apex. The ridges/folds were running longitudinally the inner surface of the corpus while those of the apex were not so well developed.