Bursa of fabricius
Bursa of Fabricius
The Bursa of Fabricius (pronounced: bur-suh of fab-rih-see-us) is a lymphoid organ found in birds that plays a crucial role in the development of the bird's immune system. It is named after the Italian anatomist Hieronymus Fabricius, who discovered it.
Etymology
The term "Bursa" is derived from the Latin word for "purse", which describes the shape of the organ. "Fabricius" is named after Hieronymus Fabricius, an Italian anatomist and surgeon who is considered the father of embryology.
Function
The Bursa of Fabricius is responsible for the production of B cells, a type of white blood cell. These cells are a vital part of the bird's immune system, as they produce antibodies that help fight off infections.
Location
The Bursa of Fabricius is located near the bird's cloaca, the posterior orifice that serves as the only opening for the digestive, reproductive, and urinary tracts.
Related Terms
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