Liver of the swiftlet – a light and ultrastructural study

Roslan, Nadiah Syuhada (2015) Liver of the swiftlet – a light and ultrastructural study. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

The study was aimed at providing an understanding of the liver of the swiflets (Aerodramus fuciphagus) which is a part of digestive system and responsible for the production of edible bird nest (EBN). Grossly the liver of the swiftlet which is located around the gizzard, comprised of three lobes – a large right lobe, a small left lobe and a yet smaller dorsal left lobe. Under the light microscope the liver parenchyma is largely made up of hepatocytes, central veins and portal triad. The parenchyma of this avian species did not however demonstrate the presence of a typical or classical lobule formed by the central vein and portal triads at the corners of each lobule. Under the transmission electron microscope the hepatocyte has a large, centrally located vesicular nucleus with a prominent nucleolus. The cytoplasm of the hepatocyte is largely occupied by mitochondria with a layer of ribosomes surrounding each mitochondria. The ribosomes surrounding the mitochondria could be attributed to the fact that the cytoplasm is packed with mitochondria and there is very little space between the mitochondria which is then, occupied by the ribosomes. Thus the ribosome in the limited space between the mitochondria gave the impression that the mitochondria is surrounded by ribosomes. In addition to the above mentioned organelles the cytoplasm also contain vacuoles whose content appeared electron opaque which in all probability are glycogen as the liver is known to store glycogen. The cell membrane of hepatocytes demonstrate modifications when facing specific structures namely van Kupffer cells and bile canaliculus. In the case of the former the cell membrane is thrown into numerous folds while in the later the cell membrane form extension microvilli. It is also interesting to note that the incidence of canaliculi is very high in the liver of this avian species. The main function of liver is in the production of bile. The high production of bile could probably be required for the digestion of fats which is high in insects, the main food source of swiftlet. High fats digestion produces high energy required for the swiftlet which is always in constant flight from dawn when it leave the nest to dusk when it return to the nest.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms Siti Mariam Giman
Date Deposited:	21 Nov 2022 07:33
Last Modified:	21 Nov 2022 07:33
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/409

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