Gross anatomical studies on the thymus of pre- and post natal buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

Thymus of buffalo foetuses consisted of unpaired thoracic and paired cervical and cranial parts. The thoracic part was present in the precardiac mediastinum on the dorsal half of the left side and was irregulary quadrilateral in shape. The cervical thymus was the longest part and consisted of right and left limbs. It was V shaped with a point directed towards the thorax. The left limb of the cervical thymus was slightly longer than the right part. The cranial parts consisted of retroglandular and sub-basilar portion. The cervical and thoracic parts were connected by cervico -thoracic isthmus whereas cervical and cranial parts were connected by cranio-cervical isthmus. The maximum weight of thymus in post natal buffalo calves was noted at 3 months of age and thereafter the mean weight of the thymus decreased gradually. At 5 years age whole thymus was replaced by adipose tissue in buffalo.