Anatomy and Histological study of liver and Pancreas of Wild Owls (Athene noctua)

Abstract

Background: Raptors, including the wild owl, are ecologically important species that have been poorly studied anatomically and histologically, particularly the digestive accessory glands such as liver and pancreas. Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the morphometrical and histological of the large glands in the body (liver and pancreas). Results: Anatomically, the mean body weight of the owl was 102±0.33 g and the weight of liver was 1.977±1.22 g. The relative liver weight to body weight was 1.938, while the pancreatic weight was 0.453±0.4 g and its relative weight was 0.442. Morphologically, the liver composed of two lobes (right and left), the right lobe was larger than left. Liver was dark brown in color, located cranially of coelomic cavity and associated with stomach, spleen, small intestine, and ovary or testis; while the pancreas was a lobulated organ situated in the space between duodenum limbs. Histologically, the liver is covered by thin capsule which surrounded the gland. The parenchyma of liver consists of laminas arranged radially around the portal area from the venules, arterioles, and portal vein (the central vein). Each lamina is composed of hepatocytes separated by a sinusoid; while the pancreas is composed of two external portions which form groups of acini that drain into a ductus system. Each acinus is made up of pyramid cells. The other part is the internal portion (endocrine portion) consisted of various shapes and sizes. Conclusions: The wild owl displays anatomical and histological features in its liver and pancreas, reflecting its ecological and nutritional adaptations. These findings provide a primary scientific report that will contribute to enriching comparative studies among birds, particularly predatory carnivorous species.