Lucas Delgado
The female chicken reproductive system is made up of two parts: the ovary and the oviduct. The oviduct is a tube-like organ that lies along the backbone between the ovary and the tail. It is divided into five major sections: the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland, and vagina. The infundibulum, or funnel, collects the yolk after its release from the ovary and directs it into the oviduct. This is where fertilization takes place and the first layer of egg white is secreted. The magnum produces most of the egg white, while the shell membranes and eggshell are formed in the isthmus and shell gland, respectively. The function of the oviduct is to produce the egg white, shell membranes, and shell around the yolk to complete the egg.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | The oviduct is a tube-like organ lying along the backbone between the ovary and the tail. |
| Length | Approximately 25 to 27 inches long (63.5 to 68.5 cm) in a mature hen. |
| Function | The oviduct produces the albumen, shell membranes, and egg shell around the yolk to complete the egg. |
| Number of Sections | Divided into five major sections: infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland, and vagina. |
| Infundibulum Length | 3 to 4 inches long (7.6 to 10.1 cm) |
| Infundibulum Function | Engulfs the ovum released from the ovary; fertilization occurs here. |
| Magnum Function | Secrete more than 40% of the albumen (egg white). |
| Isthmus Function | Both inner and outer shell membranes are formed here. |
| Shell Gland Function | Calcification of the eggshell and its subsequent pigmentation and cuticle deposition occur in this section. |
| Vagina Function | Expulsion of the egg through the vagina begins after the processes in the shell gland are complete. |
| Glands | Glands in the walls of the oviduct produce albumen, shell membranes, and the shell. |
| Egg Formation Time | The total time for a hen to transform a yolk into a fully developed egg is about 25 to 26 hours. |
| Egg Formation Cycle | About 30 to 75 minutes after a hen lays an egg, the ovary releases the next ovum. |
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What You'll Learn
The oviduct is divided into five sections
The oviduct is a tube-like organ that lies along the backbone of a chicken, between the ovary and the tail. It is approximately 25 to 27 inches long in mature hens and is divided into five sections, each with distinct functions.
The first section is the infundibulum, which is 3 to 4 inches long. It is located next to the ovary and has long segments that enclose the ovary. This section collects the yolk (ovum) after its release from the ovary and directs it into the oviduct. The yolk remains in the infundibulum for about 15 to 17 minutes, and fertilisation, if it occurs, takes place here.
The second section is the magnum, which is approximately 40 centimetres long. It secretes more than 40% of the albumen (egg white).
The third section is the isthmus, which is 4 inches long. The isthmus is slightly constricted, and here, the inner and outer shell membranes are formed. The egg remains in this section for 75 minutes.
The fourth section is the shell gland or uterus, which is 4 to 5 inches long. In this section, the shell forms on the egg, and the egg remains here for 20 or more hours.
The fifth and final section is the vagina, which is about 4 to 5 inches long. After the egg is fully formed, it is expelled through the vagina.
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The infundibulum engulfs the ovum
The female chicken reproductive system consists of two parts: the ovary and the oviduct. The ovary is a cluster of sacs attached to the hen's back midway between the neck and the tail. It contains ova (yolks) that develop into ovum (singular ovum is an ovule). When the ovum matures, it is released from the ovary into the oviduct. This release is called ovulation.
The oviduct is a twisted tube that is 25 to 27 inches long when fully developed and is divided into five major sections. The first part of the oviduct is the infundibulum, which is 3 to 4 inches long. The infundibulum engulfs the ovum released from the ovary. The infundibulum is funnel-shaped, with long segments enclosing the ovary. It collects the yolk after its release from the follicle and directs it into the oviduct. The yolk remains in the infundibulum for about 15 minutes, during which fertilization takes place.
The infundibulum has very thin walls and is 6-9 centimetres long. It is located adjacent to the ovary. The infundibulum has the function of searching for and engulfing the yolk that has been released from the follicle into the adjacent ovarian pocket or body cavity. If the infundibulum malfunctions and does not engulf the yolk, the yolk will remain in the ovarian pocket, where it will be absorbed within three days.
The other parts of the egg are added to the yolk as it passes through the oviduct. The chalazae, albumen, shell membranes, and shell are formed around the yolk to make the complete egg, which is then laid. This complete cycle usually takes a little more than 24 hours. About 30 minutes after the egg is laid, another yolk is released, and the process repeats.
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The magnum produces most of the egg white
The oviduct is a tube-like organ that lies along the backbone of a chicken, between the ovary and the tail. It is divided into five major sections: the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland, and vagina. The magnum, which is about 40 centimetres long, produces most of the egg white, or albumen. This is achieved through the secretion of thick and thin protein layers, known as ovalbumin, which encase the yolk and create the egg white. The magnum is responsible for producing approximately 40% of the albumen, or around 15 grams.
The magnum is preceded by the infundibulum, which is the entrance to the oviduct. The infundibulum is a funnel-shaped segment that collects the yolk after its release from the ovary and directs it into the oviduct. This section is where fertilisation occurs. The yolk remains in the infundibulum for around 15 minutes in the laying hen, and for 15 to 17 minutes in the chicken embryo.
After the magnum, the egg quickly moves through the isthmus, where the inner and outer shell membranes are formed. The egg then enters the shell gland, where the shell is formed over about 20 hours. The shell is essential for protecting the yolk from harmful bacteria and keeping the chick or yolk safe. The shell also prevents the loss of water from the egg's contents.
The entire process of forming an egg, from yolk to fully developed egg, typically takes about 24 to 26 hours. The magnum plays a crucial role in this process by producing most of the egg white, which provides protection for the yolk and creates a template for the formation of the shell membrane and shell.
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The isthmus forms the shell membranes
The female chicken reproductive system is made up of two parts: the ovary and the oviduct. The oviduct is a twisted tube that is 25 to 27 inches long when fully developed and is divided into five major sections. The third section of the oviduct is the isthmus, which is 4 inches long. The isthmus is slightly constricted, referring to a narrow strip of land joining two larger tracts of land. The isthmus is responsible for forming the shell membranes.
The shell membranes are deposited around the albumen when the egg travels through the oviductal isthmus. The two membranes are tightly apposed to one another, except at the blunt end of the egg, where they are separated to form the air cell. The inner membrane is not calcified, while the fibres of the outer shell membrane are incorporated into the shell in areas called mammillary cores, which serve as the centre for the growth of crystals of calcium carbonate.
The egg spends about 75 minutes in the isthmus, after which it moves to the next section of the oviduct, the shell gland (or uterus). The shell gland is subdivided into a short tubular section and a sac-like pouch. The shell gland wall musculature is more prominently developed than in other segments of the oviduct. The fully formed egg is retained in the shell gland until oviposition.
The shell membranes are essential for the structural integrity and safety of the egg. They help to enclose the egg contents and provide a protective barrier. The formation of the shell membranes in the isthmus is a critical step in the egg-forming process, ensuring that the egg is protected and structurally sound.
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The shell gland and vagina aid in egg expulsion
The shell gland and vagina are two of the five distinct parts of the oviduct, the other three being the infundibulum, magnum, and isthmus. The shell gland is where calcification of the eggshell and its subsequent pigmentation and cuticle deposition occur. Once these processes are complete, the egg is expelled through the vagina. The smooth muscle of the vagina is more powerful than the rest of the oviduct, and in some species, the egg can remain in the vagina for hardening before passing out of the oviduct into the urodeum.
The oviduct is a tube-like organ that is about 25 to 27 inches long in a mature hen. It lies along the backbone, between the ovary and the tail. The yolk is completely formed in the ovary, and when it is fully developed, it is released from the ovary and enters the oviduct. The oviduct then produces the remaining parts of the egg, including the albumen, shell membranes, and shell.
The shell gland and vagina are essential for egg expulsion as they are responsible for the final stages of egg development and the eventual laying of the egg. The shell gland is where the eggshell is calcified and pigmented, and the cuticle is deposited. These processes give the eggshell its strength and colour. After these processes are completed, the egg is ready to be expelled through the vagina and laid.
The vagina is separated from the uterus by a vaginal sphincter, which helps to regulate the passage of the egg out of the oviduct. The powerful smooth muscle of the vagina also aids in expelling the egg and ensures that it is laid successfully. In some species, the egg may remain in the vagina for a brief period to harden before passing out of the oviduct.
The shell gland and vagina, along with the other sections of the oviduct, work together to ensure the proper development and expulsion of the egg. Their functions are carefully coordinated to ensure the successful reproduction and continuation of the species.
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Frequently asked questions
The oviduct is a tube-like organ that completes the egg by forming the albumen, shell membranes, and shell around the yolk.
The oviduct lies along the backbone, between the ovary and the tail.
The oviduct is 25 to 27 inches long when fully developed.
The oviduct is divided into five major sections: the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland, and vagina.
