Sophie Bennett
The infundibulum is a crucial component of the female chicken reproductive system. It is a funnel-shaped segment that lies adjacent to the ovary and is approximately 7 to 10 centimetres long in a laying hen. The infundibulum plays a vital role in the process of ovulation by engulfing the ovum (yolk) released from the ovary during ovulation. This released yolk remains stationary, while the muscular infundibulum surrounds it. Fertilisation occurs in the infundibulum when sperm migrates to it from the sperm host glands. The yolk stays in the infundibulum for about 15 to 17 minutes, after which it moves to the next section of the oviduct, the magnum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Function | To search for and engulf the yolk (ovum) released from the follicle into the ovarian pocket or body cavity |
| Length | 7-10cm |
| Time taken to engulf yolk | 15-17 minutes |
| Fertilization | If fertilization occurs, it takes place in the infundibulum |
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What You'll Learn
The infundibulum is the entrance to the oviduct
The female chicken reproductive system is made up of the ovary and the oviduct. The ovary is a cluster of sacs attached to the hen's back about midway between the neck and the tail. It contains several thousand tiny ova, each ovum within its own follicle. As the female reaches maturity, these ova develop a few at a time into yolks.
The oviduct is a tube-like organ lying along the backbone between the ovary and the tail. A mature oviduct is a twisted tube that, if stretched out, is just over two feet long and is divided into five major sections: the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland, and vagina. The infundibulum is the first part of the oviduct and is 7-10cm long. It is funnel-shaped and lies adjacent to the ovary. When an ovum (yolk) has matured, it is released from the ovary into the oviduct. This release of the ovum is ovulation. The infundibulum engulfs the ovum, which is released upon ovulation. The yolk remains in the infundibulum for about 15 minutes and it is here that fertilisation takes place. If the infundibulum malfunctions and does not engulf the yolk, the yolk will remain in the ovarian pocket and will eventually be absorbed.
In the oviduct, glands secrete substances that form other parts of the egg, such as the albumen (egg white) and the shell. The total time a hen’s body takes to transform a yolk into a fully developed egg and lay that egg is about 25 to 26 hours. Typically, about 30 to 75 minutes after a hen lays an egg, the ovary releases the next ovum. However, the female chicken reproductive system is sensitive to light exposure, especially the number of hours of light in a day. In chicken hens, ovulation usually occurs under normal daylight conditions and almost never after 3:00 p.m.
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It engulfs the ovum, which is released upon ovulation
The infundibulum is a segment of the oviduct, the entrance to which lies adjacent to the ovary. It is funnel-shaped and about 7 to 10 cm long in a laying hen. The infundibulum is responsible for engulfing the ovum (or yolk) upon its release from the ovary during ovulation. This release of the ovum is ovulation.
The ovary is a cluster of sacs or follicles, each containing an ovum or yolk. In the ovary, the ova develop and mature. When an ovum has matured, it is released from the ovary into the oviduct during ovulation. This release is triggered by daylight, and ovulation usually occurs under normal daylight conditions, almost never after 3:00 pm.
Upon its release, the ovum is engulfed by the infundibulum, which moves to surround it. The ovum remains in the infundibulum for about 15 to 17 minutes. During this time, fertilisation takes place if sperm is present. The sperm is stored in deep glands known as sperm host glands near the junction of the shell gland and the vagina. When a hen lays an egg, the sperm is squeezed out of these glands into the oviduct and can migrate to the infundibulum to fertilise the ovum.
After fertilisation, the yolk exits the infundibulum and moves to the next section of the oviduct, the magnum. The magnum is about 30 cm long and is the largest section of the oviduct. The yolk remains in the magnum for about 3 hours while albumin is added around the yolk. The yolk then moves to the third section of the oviduct, the isthmus, where the inner and outer shell membranes form.
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Fertilisation occurs in the infundibulum
The infundibulum is a crucial component of the female chicken reproductive system, facilitating fertilisation and the early development of the egg.
The infundibulum is a funnel-shaped segment of the oviduct, the tube-like organ that lies along the backbone between the ovary and the tail. The oviduct is divided into five sections, with the infundibulum being the first part. It is around 7-10cm long and has a thin-walled funnel that opens into a thick-walled tubular region. The infundibulum is responsible for engulfing the ovum (yolk) released from the ovary during ovulation. This process takes about 15 to 17 minutes, and the muscular infundibulum surrounds and holds the yolk in place.
The infundibulum also plays a role in the early development of the egg. After fertilisation, the egg remains in the infundibulum for a short period, during which the first layer of egg white is secreted. This initial stage of egg formation is critical, and disruptions or pathological changes in the infundibulum's activity can impact egg quality and economic profitability in commercial settings.
The infundibulum is sensitive to growth hormones, as evidenced by the presence of growth hormone (GH) receptors in laying hens. Studies have shown that injecting hens with exogenous GH can enhance eggshell quality, particularly towards the end of the laying period. This knowledge is valuable for commercial egg producers aiming to optimise egg production and quality.
In summary, the infundibulum in chickens is a vital structure in the female reproductive system, facilitating fertilisation and the initial stages of egg development. Its proper functioning is essential for successful reproduction and maintaining egg quality, making it a key area of focus for those involved in chicken reproduction and egg production.
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The yolk remains in the infundibulum for 15-17 minutes
The infundibulum is a funnel-shaped segment of the oviduct, the entrance of which lies adjacent to the ovary. When an ovum (or yolk) is released from the ovary, it enters the infundibulum, which then moves to surround it. The yolk remains in the infundibulum for 15 to 17 minutes, during which time fertilisation, if it is going to occur, takes place.
The infundibulum is responsible for engulfing the yolk, which has been released from the follicle into the adjacent ovarian pocket or body cavity. If the infundibulum malfunctions and fails to engulf the yolk, the yolk will remain in the ovarian pocket and will typically be absorbed within three days. However, if this occurs frequently, the yolks will accumulate in the ovarian pocket faster than they can be absorbed, resulting in a condition known as internal laying.
The avian reproductive system is designed to accommodate the unique challenges faced by birds, which are prey to many other animals. Birds have developed strategies such as producing many offspring and only tending to their needs for a short period. This process of releasing the yolk from the ovary and into the infundibulum is part of these strategies, allowing for the efficient production of eggs.
The entire process of transforming a yolk into a fully developed egg and laying that egg takes about 25 to 26 hours. Approximately 30 to 75 minutes after an egg is laid, the ovary releases the next ovum. This process is sensitive to light exposure, with ovulation typically occurring during normal daylight hours and rarely after 3:00 pm.
The infundibulum plays a critical role in the fertilisation process. If sperm is present when a yolk enters the infundibulum, a single sperm penetrates the blastodisc, a tiny whitish spot on the surface of the yolk, resulting in fertilisation. This process initiates the development of the blastoderm and the formation of a complete egg.
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The infundibulum is funnel-shaped and lies adjacent to the ovary
The infundibulum is a crucial part of the female chicken reproductive system. It is a funnel-shaped segment that lies adjacent to the ovary. The infundibulum is about 7 to 10 centimetres long in a laying hen, with its specific function being to search for and capture the yolk that has been released from the follicle into the adjacent ovarian pocket or body cavity. This process of engulfing the yolk is essential for fertilization, which occurs in the infundibulum. The released yolk remains stationary, while the muscular infundibulum contracts to surround it. The yolk typically stays in the infundibulum for around 15 minutes, although some sources state a range of 15 to 17 minutes.
The infundibulum is the first part of the oviduct, a tube-like organ that lies along the backbone of the chicken, connecting the ovary and the tail. The oviduct is approximately 25 to 27 inches long in a mature hen and is divided into five major sections: the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland, and vagina. Each section plays a specific role in egg formation. The infundibulum, in particular, is responsible for the initial phase of egg development, where the yolk is engulfed and fertilized.
The female chicken reproductive system is designed to accommodate the unique challenges faced by birds, especially their vulnerability as prey animals. To ensure their survival and reproductive success, birds typically produce many offspring and care for them for a relatively short period. This strategy is evident in the efficient process by which the infundibulum captures and fertilizes the yolk, marking the beginning of egg development.
The ovary, located midway between the neck and tail of the chicken, is a cluster of developing ova or yolks. When an ovum matures, it is released from the ovary in a process known as ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs during daylight hours and rarely occurs after 3:00 pm. After ovulation, the yolk enters the infundibulum, where it remains for a brief period while fertilization takes place.
The infundibulum's funnel-like shape and proximity to the ovary are essential for the efficient capture and fertilization of the yolk. If the infundibulum malfunctions and fails to engulf the yolk, the yolk may remain in the ovarian pocket and eventually get absorbed. However, if this occurs frequently, the accumulation of yolks in the ovarian pocket can lead to physical abnormalities in the bird. Thus, the proper functioning of the infundibulum is critical not only for egg development but also for the overall health and reproductive success of the chicken.
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Frequently asked questions
The infundibulum is a segment of the oviduct, the tube-like organ lying along the backbone between the ovary and the tail.
The infundibulum is the entrance of the oviduct. It engulfs the yolk (or ovum) released from the ovary and moves to surround it.
The yolk remains in the infundibulum for about 15 minutes.
The yolk then moves to the magnum, the next section of the oviduct, where it stays for about 3 hours while albumin is added.
Fertilisation occurs in the infundibulum when sperm migrates to the newly released ovum.
