Morphological and Histological Study of the Tongue inSlender-Billed Gull (Larus genei)

All birds are adapted to their different environments with respect to food sources, reflecting their different life styles; therefore, the birds have different feeding habits, prominent differences in the structures of their tongues. The study aimed to identify the morphological characteristics and histological structure of the tongue in Larus genei and its relationship to the feeding style. The study used five birds, which were purchased from Al-Ghazel local market in Baghdad prominence. The animals were anesthetized, and the tongue was removed and studied morphologically. The tongue was fixed using formalin (10%) for 48 hours, and the histological sections were prepared and stained using hematoxyline-eosin for the histological study. The results showed that the tongue in Larus genei is characterized by the presence of a median sulcus, and the conical papillae are spread on the superior surface of the tongue. The superior and inferior surfaces of the tongue are covered with stratified squamous epithelium. The epithelial lining the lamina propria is composed of loose connective tissue; in addition to, the tongue is supported by a structure made up of hyaline cartilage. For the longitudinal muscularis layer, it appears thin and occupies a small part compared to the rest of the layers. Conclusion: The study revealed that L. genei tongue possesses morphological characteristics such as conical papillae and a median groove; it was found the presence of hyaline cartilage.