Evaluation of the morphological adaptations of the small intestine of the African pied crow (Corvus albus)

The morphology and morphometry of the small intestine of the Adult African pied crow in a tropical habitat was studied. Fifteen African pied crows used in this study revealed modification of the jejunum into centripetal and centrifugal cone shaped spiral coils. The weight and length of jejunum was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those of duodenum and ileum respectively. Histologically, the tunica mucosa in all the segments was modified into villi which showed wavy and anastomosing configurations in the jejunum. Each villus was lined by simple columnar epithelium with numerous goblet cells. The length, population and surface area of villi in the jejunum was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the duodenum and ileum respectively while the population of goblet cells were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the ileum compared to the duodenum and jejunum. The bases of the villi were modified into the crypts of lieberkuhn which together with numerous mucosal glands are located in the connective tissue of the lamina priopria. The lamina muscularis mucosae separated the lamina propria from the thin submucosa in the walls of the three segments. The tunica muscularis was significantly thicker (p < 0.05) in the jejunum than in the ileum and duodenum respectively. The morphological modifications probably maximize space for efficient absorption and reduction of digestive load.