Avian Liver - Anatomy & Physiology
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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
Function
- See liver function
Vasculature
Innervation
Lymphatics
- See liver lymphatics
Histology
Gallbladder: Species Differences
- Pigeons and parrots lack a gall bladder
Test yourself with the Avian Alimentary Tract flashcards
Avian Alimentary Tract Flashcards