Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The oviduct of a laying hen is a specialized tubular organ responsible for the assembly and transport of the egg.
It consists of five distinct functional segments, each with a different length and physiological role in egg formation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the anatomical segments of the chicken oviduct and their typical lengths:
Vagina (E): The terminal segment of the oviduct. Its main functions are egg expulsion during oviposition and storing sperm in vaginal tubules. It is the shortest segment, measuring approximately:
\[ L_{\text{vagina}} \approx 4\text{ to } 5\text{ cm} \]
Infundibulum (A): The funnel-shaped entrance that captures the ovulated yolk and is the site of fertilization. It measures approximately:
\[ L_{\text{infundibulum}} \approx 9\text{ cm} \]
Isthmus (C): The segment where the inner and outer shell membranes are deposited around the egg white. It measures approximately:
\[ L_{\text{isthmus}} \approx 10\text{ cm} \]
Uterus (D): Also known as the shell gland, where the calcium carbonate shell and shell pigments are deposited. This process takes the longest time (about 20 hours). It measures approximately:
\[ L_{\text{uterus}} \approx 10\text{ to } 12\text{ cm} \]
Magnum (B): The largest and most glandular segment of the oviduct, responsible for secreting the bulk of the egg white proteins (albumen). It is the longest segment, measuring approximately:
\[ L_{\text{magnum}} \approx 33\text{ cm} \]
Arranging these segments in increasing order of physical length gives:
\[ \text{Vagina (E)} < \text{Infundibulum (A)} < \text{Isthmus (C)} < \text{Uterus (D)} < \text{Magnum (B)} \]
This sequence matches the order: E, A, C, D, B.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct increasing order of length for the oviduct segments is E, A, C, D, B.