Localization of the ultimobranchial gland, thyroid gland and parathyroid gland in long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus)

Abstract

The objective of this study to determine localization of ultimobranchial gland, specific for reptiles and bird, thyroid and parathyroid glands in long-legged buzzard. A total of eight adult long-legged buzzard, brought to clinics of faculty and could not be rescued with medical treatment, were used for the study. Thyroid gland was among the two branches of the furcula at the entrance of the thoracic inlet. The length, width and thickness of thyroid gland which was the largest of the inspected glands were 4.5+0.8 mm, 2.87 +/- 0.53 mm and 2.74 +/- 0.412 mm, respectively. Parathyroid gland, the second largest gland, was seen as the a number on the right side, while it generally had two numbers (cranial and caudal) on the left side. While the length, width and thickness of the cranial parathyroid were 1.73 +/- 0.38 mm, 1.13 +/- 0.18 mm and 1.05 +/- 0.67 mm, respectively, the same measurents for the caudal parathyroid were 1.13 +/- 0.23 mm, 0.94 +/- 0.21 mm and 0.59 +/- 0.16 min respectively. Ultimobranchial gland was found to be asymmetric on both sides (right and left) and being very small. Ultimobranchial gland on the left side generally placed caudal of the caudal parathyroid gland and was determined at the level where begining of common carotid artery in inspected materials. Ultimobranchial gland on the right side was generally located at between oesophagotracheobronchial vein and oesophagotracheobronchial artery. The gland was oval shaped and its average length 1.7 +/- 0.47 mm, width 0.94 +/- 0.35 mm and thickness 0.5 +/- 0.14 mm were determined. In conclusion, the localization of the inspected glands in long legged buzzard was similar to that of the other birds although differences observed in the numbers of parathyroid gland and sizes of the other all glands.