The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Qena University organized a master’s thesis defense for Ghada Jaber Adly Mohamd, a teaching assistant in the Department of Anatomy and Embryology. The thesis, entitled “Morphological Studies of the Oral Pharynx in the Egret,” was presented under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Akawi, University President; Prof. Dr. Mohamed Wael Abdel Azim, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies; and Prof. Dr. Ashraf Ahmed Al-Ghanimi, Dean of the College. The Head of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology was also in attendance.
The discussion and judging committee included:
Prof. Dr. Enas Ahmed Abdel Hafez, Professor and Head of the Department of Cells and Tissues and Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, and Dr. Fatma Abbas Mohamed Madkor, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Qena University, in addition to the supervising judges, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Sabor Ahmed and Dr. Soha Mohamd Abdel Latif.
This thesis examined the anatomical and microscopic structure of the floor of the oropharynx in the adult egret. The findings show that this region of the digestive system is highly adapted to the bird’s feeding habits. The egret has a long, straight beak with a sharp tip that allows it to catch prey from mud and animal surfaces. Tooth-like projections along the lower beak help grip prey and break hard outer coverings. The tongue is long and very narrow, matching the shape of the beak. About 70.7% of the tongue is free, giving it high mobility to help locate and capture prey. The tongue tip is protected by a thick keratin layer, while its surface is lined with squamous epithelium. Well-developed salivary glands help moisten dry food and swallow more easily. Overall, the study highlights the close relationship between the egret’s anatomical structure, feeding behavior, and environmental adaptation.
After the discussion, the thesis was approved, and the committee recommended awarding the researcher a master’s degree in anatomy and embryology for her excellent research.
