What are the different parts of an egg and how are they formed?
The avian egg, in all its complexity, is still a mystery. Its primary purpose for existence is to provide for the next generation of birds; it is essentially a tiny center of life. Initial development of life begins on the yolk surface. The albumen surrounds the yolk and protects this potential life with an elastic, shock-absorbing semi-solid having a high water content. This entire mass is surrounded by two membranes and an external hard covering called the shell. The shell allows exchange of gases while providing a mechanical means of conserving the food and water supply within. Egg Contents The egg is formed in the mature hen by a reproductive system composed of an ovary and oviduct. Females of most animal species have two functional ovaries, but chickens and most other birds have only one ovary and one oviduct. The yolk is formed in the ovary of the hen while all remaining parts of the egg are formed in the oviduct. The oviduct is divided into five distinct regions: (1) infundibulu
