A comparative structure of thyroid in Taihu goose

With light and transmission electron microscopes, the histology and cytology of the thyroid in Taihu goose were studied in non-laying and laying periods. The goose thyroid gland consists of spherical follicles with little interstitial tissue between them. Each follicle is lined by a simple epithelium. In the laying period, the follicles contain much thyroid colloid while they contain only small amount of thyroid colloid in the non-layer period and the gland function is more active than that of laying period. The epithelium bears more microvilli projecting into follicle sinlumens, and the microvilli are for epithelium to take in colloid. There are more mitochondria, colloid droplets, lysosomes in cell matrix. Developed RER and dilatated Golgi complex were also observed in the cell.