Anatomical and histological study of the spleenin Libyan Barqi sheep

alia almabrouk; Ajlal A.  Alzergy; Asma A.  Ismael

doi:10.54172/4x7cet07

Authors

alia almabrouk Author
Ajlal A. Alzergy Author
Asma A. Ismael Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54172/4x7cet07

Keywords:

Gross anatomy, Biometrical measurements, Histochemistry, Spleen, Libyan Barqi sheep

Abstract

The morphometric and microstructural characteristics of the spleen were investigated in ten clinically healthy adult male Barqi sheep. Anatomical examination revealed that the spleen in this breed typically exhibits a triangular conformation with obtuse margins and a distinct reddish-brown pigmentation. Biometric analysis yielded mean length, width, and weight values of 13.3±1.0 cm, 8.2±0.9 cm, and 113.2±30.9 g, respectively. respectively. Histological and histochemical evaluations demonstrated that the organ is enveloped by a delicate fibrous capsule composed of collagenous and smooth muscle fibers. This capsule extends trabeculae of varying thickness into the splenic parenchyma, with each trabecula sequestered by a peritrabecular sinus and primarily consisting of smooth muscle with sparse collagen distribution. The parenchyma is organized into white and red pulp, consistent with mammalian splenic architecture. The white pulp comprises splenic follicles of diverse dimensions and ovoid morphologies, characterized by eccentric arterioles arising from the central artery and surrounded by a periarterial lymphatic sheath (PALS). These follicles are populated by dense lymphocytes, reticular cells, and macrophages, with most exhibiting distinct germinal centers. The red pulp, composed of splenic cords and sinusoids, is demarcated from the white pulp by a marginal zone. The sinusoids are lined by prominent endothelial cells with bulging nuclei. Within the splenic cords, a heterogeneous cell population—including lymphocytes, erythrocytes, macrophages, and megakaryocytes—was observed. These findings provide a fundamental baseline for the anatomical and histological profile of the Libyan Barqi sheep spleen.

Author Biographies

alia almabrouk

Department of Anatomy Histology and Embryology , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al Mukhtar University Bayda- Libya.
Ajlal A. Alzergy

Department of Anatomy Histology and Embryology , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al Mukhtar University Bayda- Libya.

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