An understanding of the anatomy and physiology of birds, and the different body systems found in the bird, is useful when an understanding of how poultry work or function, is sought. Knowledge of bird anatomy (body parts) and physiology (body function) enables the poultry industry to maximise bird performance and maintain good welfare practices. Like humans, birds eat, grow, breathe, reproduce, empty out wastes and move about. Both need food, water and air, and must protect themselves from changes in the environment.
Chicken metabolic functions
Anatomical and physiological systems
Birds, like other animals, consist of a number of body systems which operate independently or with each other to maintain the normal activity and functioning of the animal as a whole. Each of these body systems consists of organs, which are special structures that are adapted to carry out specific activities or functions. Each organ, in turn, consists of tissues which consist of the various types of cells that ultimately provide the means for the organs and systems to carry out their activities and functions.
The study of anatomy is the study of the structure of the different cells, tissues, organs and systems. Knowledge of these structures helps to understand how they function or operate under normal circumstances. The study of how they work and function is known as physiology.
Cells
The basic unit of all systems, organs and tissues is the cell. The cell consists of a number of parts, called ‘organelles’, which include the cytoplasm, mitochondria, ribosomes, golgi body, and the nucleus, to name a few. Not all cells contain all of the various parts, for example red blood cells lack most of the internal organelles. The contents of a cell are enclosed in a cell membrane that permits the various nutrients and compounds required for normal cell functioning to move in and out of the cell. The nucleus contains structures called chromosomes that carry the genes (genetic information), and animals generally have a pair of each chromosome. The number of chromosome pairs differs between organisms.
Typical Animal Cell
Cells reproduce by mitosis, or simple division, where one cell divides to become two – this is normal growth. However, the sex cells are the exception to this, they are formed in the gonads (ovary or testes) by meiosis and carry one instead of two of each chromosome. When two sex cells join at mating, one from the male and one from the female, the resulting cell will carry the normal cell chromosome number. The resulting cell therefore carries half of the genes of each parent. In animals like birds, this cell further divides by mitosis to become the embryo.
Not all cells are exactly alike, but their structure and function depend on the function of the tissue, organ or system to which they belong. Some are glandular, others are protective, others provide support, others provide a means of communication, others provide movement, and others have a connecting function to hold tissues, organs and systems together or in place. Animals consist of systems, organs, tissues and cells that serve certain functions.
Cells have a number of special features that differentiate them from non-living creatures:
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They provide cooperative support of own structures, that is, the cells, tissues, organs and systems support each other
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They produce enzymes and facilitate the metabolic processes. These are the chemical changes (both anabolic (constructive) and catabolic (destructive)) that occur in living organisms to provide for the normal functioning of the organism or animal
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They respond to irritation, which is defined as an inherent ability (present in all living organisms) to receive external impressions or stimuli and react to them
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They can reproduce their own kind as a normal function
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They provide their own protection or defence to the many potentially harmful situations encountered in their environment
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They provide for the coordinated growth and development of their own body
Viruses
Upon entering a cell virus particles act very similar to the cell genetic material, and can also become part of the cell’s genetic material. Under the control of the virus, the genetic material instructs the cell to make many copies of the virus. The cell eventually ruptures to release the copies of the original virus and give rise to the symptoms of diseases caused by viruses.
