The structure of the ileo‐caeco‐golic junction of the domestic fowl (<i>Gallus Gallus</i>L.)

Abstract

1. The structure of the ileo‐caeco‐colic junction of domestic fowl aged from 3 to 12 weeks was investigated by histological techniques and the preparation of latex casts of the lumina. 2. The caeca open ventro‐laterally from the cranial end of the colon. At this level a muscular ring of tissue, formed from the circular muscle of the lamina muscularis of the ileum, projects into the colon lateral to the caecal openings. The location of this muscular ring is discussed in relation to the possible mechanisms of caecal filling. 3. The longitudinal muscle of the lamina muscularis of the caudal region of each caecum is continuous with that of the colon and ileum. The circular muscle of the lamina muscularis of each caecum begins in the muscularis mucosa of the colon at a distance of 1 to 2 mm from the caecal openings. At the level of the caecal openings the musculature is complex, consisting of parts of the lamina muscularis of the colon, caeca and ileum. 4. The openings of the caeca from the colon are narrow and filled with villi. It is suggested that the junction may be involved in filtering material during the filling of the caeca.