Histological Studies of the Calvarial Development of One-Humped Camel (Camelus Dromedarius) Fetuses

Abstract

This study involved the use of thirty two camel fetuses, [23 (71.88%) males and 9 (28.12%) females]. Eleven fetuses were at the first trimester (34.4%), twelve at the second trimester (37.5%), and nine at the third trimester (28.1%). 1cm2 of bone samples obtained from the different fetal calvaria at the first, second and third trimester stages were decalcified and processed for normal Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. There was an initial evidence of loose mesenchymal cells condensed together with some blood vessels, osteogenic cells and illdefined spicules. Ill-defined intertrabecular spaces were also seen at the first and second trimester levels. However, with advancement in age at the third trimester stage, prominent bone spicules or trabeculae were seen. Similarly, there were regularly arranged osteocytes within the trabecular matrix; and the intertrabecular spaces were more obvious. The findings of this research would help in understanding the microscopic anatomy of the developing calvaria in this animal species.

Keywords: Histology, calvaria, one-humped, camel, fetuses

Nigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:33 (1) 419-426