Light and scanning electron microscopic studies were carried out on the uterus (shell gland) of fifteen mature fayomi laying hens during egg producing cycle.
Two types of cells were recognized in the surface epithelium of the uterine mucosa, ciliated and non ciliated cells. These cells exhibited morphological signs of increased activity when the uterus contained an egg indicating that these cells were associated with the formation of the protein material of the shell as well as the cuticle of the egg.
In addition, these ciliated cells presents a real evidence for the process of ciliogenesis.
The uterine glands were of the branched tubulo-alveolar variety, negatively stained with PAS, AB, Sudan black and von Kossas method. They were markedly active when the uterus was distended with an egg.
Melanin containing cells were demonstrated in the lamina propria of the uterine mucosa. These cells might be responsible for colouration of the egg shell.