Comparative Anatomical Studies of Adrenal Glands in Large White Yorkshire Pigs Reared at Low and High Altitudes in Kerala

The adrenal gland plays a crucial role in the body\u27s homeostasis and during the stress response. However, less attention was given to the structural variation of the adrenal glands in pigs reared at different altitudes. Hence, the present study was conducted to correlate structural variation in the adrenal glands in 24 ten-month-old Large White Yorkshire pigs of either sex reared at low-altitude and high-altitude regions of Kerala, India. Microscopically, the adrenal gland presented the three typical concentric cortical zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, zona reticularis, and a central medulla. The arrangement pattern of cells of the zona glomerulosa resembled the arcs; zona fasciculata, similar to cords separated by intervening trabeculae; and zone reticularis, like irregularly anastomosing cords. Two types of cells were present in the medulla: large, granular, intensely-stained cells towards the periphery and small polyhedral cells towards the centre of the medulla. Chromaffin was identified in the medulla, while undifferentiated cells were identified within the capsule, subcapsular zone, the transitional zone between zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata, and even medulla. Zona fasciculata formed the largest zone of the adrenal cortex, and its thickness was significantly higher in the low-altitude male and female groups than in the corresponding high-altitude groups, which was correlated to serum cortisol levels. The comparative micrometrical data revealed a larger zona fasciculata in the low-altitude male and female groups than in the corresponding high-altitude groups, indicating variation between the groups

Occurrence of Os Rostrale in a Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Skull

The Os rostrale, also known as the prenasal bone, is commonly found in members of the Suidae family, particularly in pigs. It completes the snout\u27s rigid skeleton, aids in digging and provides structural integrity during excavation activities. However, its occurrence in bovines, including buffalo breeds, is rare and understudied. This study aimed to explore the morphological and histological features of the Os rostrale in an adult Pandharpuri buffalo. Additionally, it aimed to investigate the rarity of the occurrence of Os rostrale in buffalo skulls. After careful gross morphological observations, the Os rostrale of an adult Pandharpuri buffalo was subjected to radiographic analysis and histological examination. The Os rostrale appeared sword-shaped with a mediolateral curvature and was radio-opaque. Histological analysis revealed active hyaline cartilage transitioning into compact bone with Haversian system, indicating its endochondral ossification. Despite belonging to an adult animal, the structure retained cartilage elements, suggesting a slow replacement process requiring further investigation. This study provided essential baseline information regarding the Os rostrale in buffaloes, contributing to a better understanding of its structural significance. Additionally, it sheds light on the unusual occurrence of the Os rostrale in buffalo skulls, which is uncommon within the Bovidae family

Histological studies on the oesophageal tonsils of broiler ducks

Histomorphological study was conducted on the oesophageal tonsils in six broiler Vigova Super-M ducks of six to eight weeks age. The location of the tonsil was at the junction between oesophagus and proventriculus. In histological sections six to eight isolated tonsillar units were seen in the lamina propria near the base of the oesophageal folds. Each tonsillar unit consisted of a crypt lined by lymphoepithelium and surrounded by dense lymphoid tissue. The tonsillar units were seen encapsulated by connective tissue and composed of many large lymphoid nodules separated by internodular areas. The secretory portion of the mucosal glands of the oesophagus were firmly associated with the lymphoid tissue and the cylindrical epithelium was transformed to lymphoepithelium. The oesophageal tonsils offered immunological protection at the entrance of stomach. Keywords: Oesophageal tonsils, Histomorphology, Ducks</jats:p

A composite fall-slippage model for cliff recession in the sedimentary coastal cliffs

AbstractA composite fall-slippage model is proposed in this study for the Tertiary sedimentary coastal cliffs of Varkala in the western coastal tract of Peninsular India which are retreating landwards due to the combination of several factors. The fall model in the present study accounts both spring seepage and wave action, resulting in undercutting and this fall affects only the topmost laterite and the just below sandstone in the cliff. Slippage in this area affects all the litho-units and hence the geologic characteristics of all the litho-units are considered for developing the slippage model. This mathematically derived model can be used in other cliffs exhibiting the same morphology as well as the one controlled by the same influencing factors. This model differs from other models in incorporating multi-lithounits as well as multi-notches. Varkala cliffs form a part of the aspiring geopark in the Global Geopark Network and hence a study on the cliff recession is a pressing requirement

Histology of Hair Follicles in Different Breeds of Rabbits

Background: Rabbit farming provides a valuable additional source of income in the rural areas of the county. Skin is the largest organ in the body and the hair coat forms the first line of defense against the invading pathogenic organisms as well as the physical environment. So far, no detailed comparative study has been conducted on the skin of various breeds of rabbits. Hence, the present work was undertaken to compare the structure and distribution of hair follicles in different breeds of rabbits commonly reared in Kerala.Methods: The study was conducted on the skin of six breeds of rabbits namely, Soviet Chinchilla, New Zealand White, Grey Giant, White Giant, Angora and crossbred. In total, 36 animals were used for the study. From each animal, skin samples were collected from eight representative areas of the body viz., dorsal nasal region, pinna, dorsal neck, dorsal thorax, dorsal abdomen, ventral abdomen, perineal and carpal regions. Standard procedures were adopted for histological studies.Result: All the six breeds of rabbits showed compound hair follicles with primary and secondary follicles with associated sebaceous glands. Arrangement of hair follicles showed differences among the breeds. There was no difference in the histology of hair/hair follicle among the breeds. This work will form a basis for further breed specific research in the area of fur and leather industry and skin penetration studies.</jats:p

Histomorphological comparison of tonsil of Large WhiteYorkshire and indigenous pigs of Kerala, India

The present study was undertaken to compare the distribution and histomorphology of the tonsil of soft palate in Large White Yorkshire and indigenous pigs of Kerala. Tissue samples were collected from12 apparently healthy adult male animals. In both the groups of pigs, the tonsil of soft palate was located in the oropharynx and was found to be larger in Large White Yorkshire. Histological structure of tonsil of soft palate revealed that the average number of lymphatic nodules per microscopic field and lymphocyte count per nodule was maximum in indigenous pigs. Statistically significant differences were recorded in the average size of tonsils, crypt depth, number and size of lymphatic nodules and lymphocyte count per nodule in Large White Yorkshire and indigenous pigs.</jats:p