Light microscopic morphometry of the kidneys of fourteen avian species
Warui, C.N.
Journal of Anatomy 162: 19-31
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-8782 PMID: 2808116 Document Number: 346048
Sixty-one mature male and female birds representing 14 species and 6 orders were studied to obtain quantitative data on the volume proportions of the main structural components of the kidney, and to determine whether these structural parameters can be related to the order, body size and habitat of the species examined. Galliform and anseriform birds were domestic and feral, respectively. Passerine birds were mostly reared in captivity, and the remainder were wild. Overall the mean volume proportions of the kidney components were: cortex 77%, medulla 10%, blood vessels larger than capillaries 12%, ureter and ureteral ducts 1%. Kidney volume per gram body weight and volume proportions of cortex and medulla were correlated with order, body size and habitat, indicating the influence of several factors. A relatively large medulla seems to be the adaptive advantage of species which have to mitigate scarcity of water or excessive evaporative water loss by maximum renal water conservation.