Histological and carbohydrate histochemical studies of the nasal mucosa of sheep in Saudi Arabia with special reference to its glandular tissue.

Abstract

The histology and carbohydrate histochemistry of the nasal mucosa with attention to glandular tissue had been studied in 7 heads of sheep. Tissues were taken from vestibular region, septum at level of the alar fold, rostral portion of nasal conchae, caudal portion of nasal conchae, middle portion of septum and ethmoidal conchae region. Stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium was observed covering the vestibular region. The propria-submucosa of the nasal vestibule was richly permeated with glands having affinity for PAS and non-alcianophilic. The post-vestibular portion of the nasal cavity was lined by transitional epithelium and caudal to it, stratified columnar nonciliated epithelium was noticed. The respiratory epithelium covered the caudal half of the nasal conchae and the major portion of the septum as well as the recesses of the ethmoidal conchae. The glands associated with the respiratory mucosa were thick, coiled and tubular, containing both nonalcianophilic PAS positive and alcianophilic PAS positive cells. The olfactory mucosa covered the ethmoidal conchae and showed predominant serous glands. The results were discussed with that given for other mammals and in regard to the respiratory functions of the nasal mucosa.