Author/Authors :
Ikpegbu، Ekele نويسنده Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria , , Nlebedum، Uchenna نويسنده Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria , , Nnadozie، Okechukwu نويسنده Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria , , Agbakwuru، Okezie نويسنده Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria ,
Abstract :
The histology of the accessory respiratory organ of the African
catfish – dendretic organ was investigated to reveal its microanatomy. The data
obtained will provide baseline data for further investigative research and assist fish
pathologists. The histology showed that the tubular shaped dendretic organ was
covered by stratified squamous epithelium containing periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)
and alcian blue (AB) positive mucous cells. On most surfaces, the epithelial cells
were organized into columns with mucous cells placed in-between the epithelial
cell columns. At the tip of the surface, capillaries were lined by endothelium at the
surface epithelium/air contact area. The subepithelial layer was of loose connective
tissue containing adipose tissue and occasional blood vessels. The core of the
dendretic organ contained elastic cartilage surrounded by a dense layer of
perichondrium. Elastic fibres were observed the territorial and inter-territorial
spaces.
