TERMINAL INNERVATION OF THE UTERUS AND VAGINA OF THE DOMESTIC HEN

Abstract
The distribution of nervous tissue within the oviduct of the hen has been examined with particular reference to the isthmus, uterus and vagina. The uterus and utero-vaginal junction were well innervated and nerve cells were more abundant in these regions. An extensive mesh of large nerve fibres was evident in the uterus, together with a much finer network of mainly single fibres associated with the muscle cells. Fewer large nerves were found in the utero-vaginal and vaginal regions. Many of the nerves in the isthmus innervated the blood vessels. Several small ganglia were found externally, towards the caudal end of the uterus and surrounding the uterovaginal junction. The arrangement of the smooth muscle layers of the posterior oviduct is described.