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Studies on the avian gizzard: Morphology and innervation of the smooth muscle

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Summary

Light and electron-microscope studies of the smooth muscle of the gizzard and its innervation in the chick and the pigeon have been made. The muscle is organised into extensive interlocking bundles, with frequent anastomoses between adjacent bundles. Nexuses are common between apposing smooth muscle cell membranes. The innervation of the smooth muscle is comparable to that in other gastrointestinal circular muscle. These results are discussed in regard to the contractility and electrophysiology of the tissue.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoology Department, Melbourne University, Australia

    Terence Bennett & J. L. S. Cobb

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  1. Terence Bennett
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  2. J. L. S. Cobb
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Additional information

We would like to thank Prof.G. Burnstock for his constructive criticism of the manuscript.

Supported by grants from Australian Research Grants Committee, the National Heart Foundation of Australia and J.L.S.C. was supported by a Queen Elizabeth Fellowship.

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Bennett, T., Cobb, J.L.S. Studies on the avian gizzard: Morphology and innervation of the smooth muscle. Z. Zellforsch. 96, 173–185 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00338765

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00338765

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