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Structure and histochemistry of the normal intestine of the fowl

III. The fine structure of the duodenal crypt

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Summary

The fine structure of the development and maturation of intestinal chief cells from the duodenal crypts of the fowl has been described in detail. Three areas within the crypt can be recognised: (1) the crypt base where cell division is frequent but cell development is minimal; (2) the mid-crypt region where rapid growth and development of the cells takes place; and (3) the zone of differentiation where final development and functional maturation occurs. The structure of the fowl's intestinal crypt is very similar to that described for the mammal. The results are discussed in relation to previous histochemical studies.

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Author notes

  1. E. Michael

    Present address: Veterinary Research Division, May & Baker Ltd., Fyfield Road, Ongar, Essex

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wye College, University of London, Near Ashford, Kent

    R. D. Hodges & E. Michael

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  1. R. D. Hodges
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  2. E. Michael
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Additional information

Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellow.

Acknowledgements. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Wellcome Trust, the University of London Central Research Fund and the Agricultural Research Council. They also wish to thank Mrs. Indranee Liyanage and Mrs. Ellen French for technical assistance.

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Hodges, R.D., Michael, E. Structure and histochemistry of the normal intestine of the fowl. Cell Tissue Res. 160, 125–138 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219846

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219846

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