ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Key words: Thymus
;
Microvasculature
;
Corrosion casts
;
Scanning electron microscopy
;
Frog
;
Rana temporaria (Anura)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract. Vascular corrosion casts of the thymus of adult individuals of the European common frog, Rana temporaria, were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The main arterial vessel, which is derived either from the temporal artery or from the auricular ramus, approaches the central territory of the gland and branches into ”twigs” that, on penetrating the parenchyma, give rise to capillaries. Most of these capillaries run vertically towards the surface of the gland; they either join the superficial capillary plexus or follow this plexus for a variable distance and then run back towards the medulla, forming capillary loops. The former capillaries link with the extensive venous plexus composed of irregular meshes, whereas the latter capillaries join the venules at the cortico-medullary boundary and finally escape into collecting veins on the gland surface. The venous twigs, which join together near the gland, form the main thymic vein, which empties into the external jugular vein. The details of the thymic vasculature of the anuran amphibian, R.temporaria, are compared with those described in mammalian species, viz. the mouse, rat and guinea pig.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004410050450
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