Characterization of collared the lingual salivary glands of the Eurasian Dove Streptopelia decaocta.

Abstract

Abstract: Histochemical characterization of the lingual salivary glands of the collared dove Streptopelia decaocta has been conducted. The glands are composed of two entities at the dorsal second half of the free part of the tongue and in the dorsal part of its base. The lingual glands are made of mucous cells that elaborate neutral mucosubstances together with sialomucins and sulfomucins liable to neuraminidase and hyaluronidase respectively, but are devoid of proteins. The results of the present study are discussed in context of the feeding habits of the bird.