Histomorphological studies on the soft palate of domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)

The present study was undertaken on the soft palate of the SVVU T-17 breed of domestic pig at different levels i.e., proximal and distal portions and at the level of anterior and posterior pillars. The microanatomical studies of soft palate showed epithelium, propria-submucosa and tunica muscularis. The oral surface of the soft palate was lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and the rostral half of the nasal surface was lined by the pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium while its caudal half was lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The propriasubmucosa of the soft palate consisted of collagen, elastic and reticular fibres, connective tissue cells i.e., fibroblasts, fibrocytes, various sizes of lymphocytes, eosinophils, mast cells and plasma cells. In addition, adipose tissue, blood vessels, nerves, lymphoid tissue and seromucous glands were observed. Most of the tunica muscularis consisted of skeletal muscles and a very few smooth muscle fibres.