A comparative histomorphological study of the adrenal gland in seven species of turtles
Ray, P.P.; De, T.K.; Maiti, B.R.
Zeitschrift für Mikroskopisch-Anatomische Forschung 101(1): 50-60
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-3107 PMID: 3617877 Document Number: 288992
A comparative study of the adrenal gland was carried out mainly from histomorphological standpoint in seven species of turtles. The investigation reveals that the adrenal glands are united and largest in size in Lepidochelys unlike in others. The relative weight of the gland is maximum in Lissemys. The interrenal element is intermingled with the chromaffin tissue and is more abundant in quantity in Lepidochelys, Lissemys and Trionyx than in others. The interrenal mass forms broad, straight cords, consisting of haphazardly oriented small polyhedral cells with eccentric nuclei in Lepidochelys. The cords are relatively narrow, partly intertwined and anastomosed, consisting of broad columnar cells in all other species of turtles, except in Kachuga whose interrenal cords are slender intertwined, consisting of regularly oriented narrow columnar cells. The chromaffin elements are scattered in Lepidochelys, Lissemys and Trionyx, but mostly aggregated in the periphery of the gland in others. A phyletic trend in the interrenal and chromaffin structures has been pointed out in the species of turtles studied.