Avian Liver - Anatomy & Physiology

Structure

• 2 lobes

• Dark brown coloured (except just after hatching where it is yellow)

• Right lobe larger than left lobe

• Ventral and caudal to the heart (as there is no diaphragm)

• Closely associated to the proventriculus and spleen

• Thin capsule

• Indistinct lobation

• 2 bile ducts enter the distal duodenum, one from each lobe of the liver

• The duct from the right lobe is connected to the gallbladder

• Hepatic lobules indistinct (except near hilus) due to a lack of perilobular connective tissue

• Avian bile aids the emulsification of fats and contains amylase and lipase

Anatomy of the Liver(Avian)- Copyright RVC 2008

Liver and Spleen (Avian)- Copyright Nottingham 2008

Function

• See liver function

Vasculature

• See liver vasculature

Innervation

• See liver innervation

Lymphatics

• See liver lymphatics

Gallbladder: Species Differences

• Pigeons and parrots lack a gall bladder

Test yourself with the Avian Alimentary Tract flashcards

Avian Alimentary Tract Flashcards

Links

Liver - Anatomy & Physiology