Observations on the Anatomy of the Duodenum in the Porcupine (Hystrix cristata)

Duodenal structure of the porcupine (Hystrix cristata) was examined grossly and microscopically. The mucosal lining of the duodenum was composed of villi and intestinal crypts. The epithelium covering the villi and crypts were of the simple columnar type. Goblet cells were observed throughout the epithelial lamina and intestinal gland. Brunner's glands were located in largest numbers in the duodenal submucosa. These glands were significantly decreased towards the jejunum. Thus duodenal morphology of the porcupines was similar to other rodents.