The ossification of the pelvic girdle and leg skeleton of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The onset of ossification centres of the pelvic girdle and leg skeleton of the quail in embryos and juvenile birds were studied. Specimens, which were cleared and were stained with Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red S, were examined at the stereomicroscope. The ilium and the pubis began to ossify at the 8th day (E8), whereas the ischium at E9. Perichondral ossification was observed at E6 in the femur, tibia and fibula. A secondary ossification centre was detected in the proximal epiphysis of the tibiotarsus at the 15th post-hatching day (P15). The patella began to ossify at P30. Regarding the tarsal bones tibiale, pre-tibiale and fibulare, ossification was observed at the E15, E12 and E16, respectively. The metatarsals II, III, IV ossified at E7, whereas the metatarsal I at E11. The centres of ossification of the 1st phalanges of all digits were observed at E9. At the same day, the ossification centres of the 2nd phalanx of digits II and III as well as the 3rd phalanx of digit III appeared. At E10, ossification was observed in the 2nd phalanx of digit I, in the 3rd phalanx of digit II and in the 2nd and 3rd phalanx of digit IV. In the 4th phalanx of digit III and in the terminal phalanges of digit IV, ossification was observed at E11. The data presented here provide useful baseline information on the normal sequential pattern of ossification in the pelvic girdle and leg skeleton in this species.

The ossification of the pectoral girdle and wing skeleton of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The onset of ossification centres of the pectoral girdle and wing skeleton of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) has been studied in embryos and juvenile birds, which were sampled daily from the 4th day of incubation up to the 12th day after hatching. Specimens, which were cleared and were stained with Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red S, were examined at the stereomicroscope. The furcula ossified with intramembranous ossification at the 7th day of incubation. The first centres of perichondral ossification in the scapula and the coracoid bones were observed at the 7th day of incubation. In the humerus, radius and ulna, perichondral ossification was observed at the 6th day of incubation. The carpal bones were ossified between the 8th and 10th day of the post-hatching period. The 2nd metacarpal bone began to ossify at the 6th day of the post-hatching period, whereas the 3rd and 4th metacarpal bones were ossified at the 7th day of incubation. At the 9th day of incubation, ossification was observed in the 1st phalanx of the alular digit and in the phalanges of the major digit. The 2nd phalanx of the alular digit began to ossify at the 12th, whereas the phalanx of the minor digit at the 14th day of incubation. The data presented here provide useful baseline information on the normal sequential pattern of ossification in the pectoral girdle and wing skeleton in this species.

Functional morphological characteristics of the interdigital sinus in the sheep.

The present paper describes two distinct morphological features of ovine interdigital sinus, which were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy. In the sweat glandular component, acini with epithelial cells exhibiting a paved appearance and apocrine secretion were observed. In the same gland, other acini with cells exhibiting different luminal surfaces and simultaneous apocrine and merocrine secretion were recorded. The numerous hairs embedded within the waxy material of the sinus exhibited two types. The first type, with a round profile, had a special leaflet structure on the tip, whereas the second type had a convex profile. The comparative differences and probable functional relations of these integumentary structures are discussed. The mixed picture of the epithelial cells of the sweat glands suggests the release of different products. The hair microstructure correlated with the mechanism of hold and release of the secretory material of the interdigital sinus.

The amniotic plaques in sheep of the Karagouniko breed.

The structure of amniotic plaques and adjacent epithelium of full term ewes of the Karagouniko breed were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microcopy. The amniotic plaques appeared as cauliflower-like structures mainly trifurcate or as single papillae. The wall of their stems possessed numerous foldings and round openings. Of interest to note was the abundant vascularization observed in sections of the amniotic plaques. The adjacent amniotic epithelium to the plaques revealed a heterogenous surface which was composed of cells of various forms.

Ossification and growth rates of the limb long bones during the prehatching period in the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The timing of ossification and the growth of six long bones of the prehatching period in the quail was studied. Ninety-nine quail eggs were incubated and in total nine fetuses were selected daily from the sixth to the sixteenth day of incubation. The fetuses were stained with alizarine and alcian blue double colouration. The fetuses were studied under the stereoscopic microscope and linear measurements were obtained from the humerus, ulna, radius, femur, tibia and fibula. The first appearance of the primary ossification centres in the diaphysis of the studied bones was found to occur between the sixth and the seventh day of incubation. Different growth patterns between the bones of the leg and of the wing were observed. Humerus and tibia showed the greatest growth rate while the radius and fibula showed the lowest.