Abstract:Grimelius method was used to study the distribution and morphological features of argyrophilic cells in the digestive tract during post-embryonic development of Chinese Yellow Quail (Coturnix aponica). Results showed that argyrophilic cells did not exist in oral cavity, esophagus, ingluvies and cloaca portions, but distributed throughout most of the other portions in different densities. The argyrophilic cells distributed in a wavelike pattern. In most developmental stages, argyrophilic cells were rich in glandular stomach and colorectum, less rich in ileum, and much less in duodenum, jejunum and cecum. With the development, argyrophilic cells in different portions were all increased, reached a peak at 100 days, and then decreased. Argyrophilic cells were observed mostly in glandular stomach leaves, between the epithelial cells and in the lamina propria. They were in different shapes, mainly round, oval, tapering, fusiform etc. According to their structure and morphology, we classified argyrophilic cells in the digestive tract into four types and they might have endocrine, exocrine and paracrine functions. The distribution of argyrophilic cells was possibly related with the feeding habit and living environment of Chinese yellow quail.