Morphological studies on hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes in the water deer(Hydropotes inermis)

고라니 혈절과 혈림프절에 관한 형태학적 연구

This study was performed to investigate the gross anatomical features and microscopical structures of the hemal nodes and the hemolymph nodes in the water deer (Hydropotes inermis) found in Kangwon-do, Korea. The hemal nodes and hemolymph nodes were observed mainly in the periphery of the thoracic and abdominal aortae of the animals. The size of hemal nodes was generally smaller than that of the hemolymph nodes, and the shape of the both organs was spherical or ovoid. The color of the hemal nodes was red or black while that of the hemolymph nodes was gray with red bands. The hemal nodes were surrounded by a thin connective tissue capsule and there were extensive subcapsular and deep sinuses distended by a great number of erythrocytes. Although a few number of lymphatic nodules and small areas of diffuse lymphatic tissues were observed in the parenchyma, no typical cortex and medulla were defined in the hemal node. Small numbers of blood vessels were found at the connective tissue capsule but lymph vessel was not observed microscopically in this organ. The hemolymph nodes were covered by a relatively thick connective tissue capsule and there was a hilus in each node. The parenchyma was divided into cortex and medulla. The cortex was composed of a few numbers of lymphatic nodules and some diffuse lymphatic tissues. The medulla comprised medullary sinus and cords. Afferent and efferent lymph vessels were observed at the periphery of the capsule and the hilus, respectively. The subcapsular and medullary sinuses were not extensive but filled with small numbers of erythrocytes. The stroma of hemal node and hemolymph node was composed of reticular cells and fibers, and the capsule and trabecula consisted of collagenous fibers with smooth muscle fibers.