Investigation of Anatomical and Histological Structures of Superficial and Lacrimal Glands in Tuj Sheep

This study was carried out to investigate the anatomical, histological and histochemical properties of superficial and lacrimal glands in tuj sheep. A total of 10 superficial and lacrimal glands were used in the study. Anatomical, histological and histochemical techniques were applied to the glands. As a result, the superficial gland was found to be 18-19 mm long, 8-9 mm wide and 3-4 mm thick. Lacrimal gland was determined as 20-23 mm in length, 17-26 mm in width and 3-4 mm in thickness. Hyaline cartilage was observed at the base of the superficial gland. Superficial and lacrimal glands were found to consist of acinuses, interlobular and intralobular ducts and many blood vessels. While Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) positive reaction was observed in superficial glands, no reaction was observed in goblet cells in lacrimal glands. The secretion in the interlobular and intralobular ducts of superficial and lacrimal glands showed PAS positive reaction. In both glands, elastic fibers around the ducts and vessels showed positive reaction to orcein staining. As a result, when the values given in the literature were taken into consideration, it was seen that the length value of the superficial gland was low and the width and thickness values were high. While the length of the lacrimal gland was in the middle of the values given in the literature, it was found to have high values in terms of width and thickness. It is thought that this study will contribute to veterinary medicine regarding eye diseases and eye-related surgeries.