Palate of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo): Gross Anatomical, Light and Scanning Electron Microscopical Study

Abstract

This investigation aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of the palate of bronze black turkey by gross anatomy, light and scanning electron microscopy. The oral roof (palate) constitutes 87.73% of the oropharyngeal roof length, comprising two parts; rostral and caudal. The rostral part of is characterized by the presence of median palatine ridge, rostral and caudal lateral palatine ridges, narrow part of the choanal slit and three rows of palatine papillae. The median palatine ridge shows rostral continued and caudal interrupted parts. This ridge as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) bears 4-5 transverse furrows at the level of the beginning of the caudal lateral palatine ridges. Numerous Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive compound tubular mucous maxillary, palatine and sphenopterygoid salivary glands are distributed in the mucosa of the palate. From all above mentioned, it's clear that the palate in turkey reveals some different anatomical features in compared with that of the other birds.