Hematopoiesis in Birds Articles

Bursa of Fabricius: Site of Hematopoiesis in Birds

Anusha Karthik

Updated on 29-Mar-2023 957 Views

Introduction The Bursa of Fabricius, also known as the Bursa cloacae or simply the Bursa, is a unique organ found only in birds. It is located in the cloaca, which is the common opening for the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems in birds. The Bursa is an important site of hematopoiesis in birds, meaning that it is responsible for the production of blood cells. The Bursa was first described by the Italian anatomist Hieronymus Fabricius ab Aquapendente in the late 16th century. Fabricius was studying the anatomy of chickens when he discovered this small, pear-shaped organ in the wall of ...