Morpho-functional characteristics of the Remak’s nerve of chickens

The article presents generalized information on the intestinal (Remak’s) nerve – one of the nervous regulation components of the chickens’ digestive system. The importance of this structure is emphasized, since it is peculiar only to the bird organism. The nerve uniqueness is characterized too, since numerous nerve nodes are available in its composition. The purpose of the study was to formulate a comprehensive morphological and functional understanding of the Remak's nerve based on the results of our own scientific research and data presented in the scientific references. For the sake of objectivity, the results obtained only during the study of the chickens’ intestinal nerve were considered. To systematize the data, the research results were grouped into separate sections: 1) Remak's nerve general organization, reflecting its size, branches, and fibers; 2) Remak's nerve embryogenesis, describing its origin, formation periods, functional activity appearance, and its connection with the intestinal wall; 3) Features of Remak's nerve neurons, demonstrating the division of nerve cells into separate groups, their topography in different nerve parts, and the peculiarities of neurons interaction; 4) Remak's nerve functional characteristics, revealing the ways and means of realizing the regulatory effects of the nerve on the intestine; 5) autonomous regulation effects on the Remak's nerve structure, demonstrating the differences in nerve morphology in two types of autonomous regulation: sympathotonia and sympatho-normotonia. The aforementioned chapters are complementary, which contributes to a better understanding of the information presented. Analyzing the experimental data, we paid attention to their relevance, scientific significance, reliability of the results presented, the features and conditions of the research, the validity of the interpretations, and conclusions drawn on their basis. At the same time, an attempt was made to demonstrate the continuity and interconnectedness of research conducted over time by different scientists.