Research Article

Stereolojical Investigation of Medulla Oblongata Volume in Turkeys and Guinea Fowls

Volume: 7 Number: 2 December 29, 2025
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Stereolojical Investigation of Medulla Oblongata Volume in Turkeys and Guinea Fowls

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the morphometric and volumetric characteristics of the medulla oblongata in guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) using stereological methods in a comparative manner. Eight-month-old healthy female turkeys and guinea fowls were used. Brains were fixed in formaldehyde, and the medulla oblongata was carefully dissected. Morphometric measurements including length, diameter, and weight were recorded. Using 5 µm-thick Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) stained sections, total volume, medulla volume, and cortex volume were estimated according to the Cavalieri principle, and ratios such as medulla/cortex, cortex/total volume, and medulla/total volume were calculated. Results indicated that in guinea fowls, medulla oblongata weight was positively correlated with medulla and total volumes, with medulla volume exerting a stronger effect on total volume than cortex volume. Medulla/cortex and medulla/total volume ratios were higher in guinea fowls than in turkeys, whereas in turkeys, cortex volume contributed more to total volume. In turkeys, medulla oblongata weight and length were positively associated with cortex volume but not with medulla volume. These findings highlight that morphometric parameters are closely linked to volumetric characteristics, providing valuable insights into the structural development and volumetric growth of the medulla oblongata. The study provides reliable reference data for veterinary anatomy, neuroanatomy, comparative anatomy, and physiology. It demonstrates the applicability and accuracy of stereological methods for analyzing small and delicate structures such as the medulla oblongata. Furthermore, the results have implications for biometry, evolutionary biology, and animal production, offering a foundation for future multidisciplinary research on brain morphology and development.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit, Van Yuzuncu Yil University

Project Number

TUY-2025-12391

Thanks

We want to thank to Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit, Van Yuzuncu Yil University

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 29, 2025

Submission Date

October 20, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 17, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 7 Number: 2

APA
Delibaş, V., Çakmak, G., Çelikezen, B., & Yardımcı, M. (2025). Stereolojical Investigation of Medulla Oblongata Volume in Turkeys and Guinea Fowls. Turkish Veterinary Journal, 7(2), 48-55. https://doi.org/10.51755/turkvetj.1807307