Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the histology and histochemistry of the paraepiglottic tonsils in goats. Six goats of a local mixed breed, aged 8-10 months and of either sex, were included in the study. The paraepiglottic tonsils exhibited a modified epithelium, characterized by a reticular pattern without distinct strata due to extensive lymphoid tissue infiltration. The propria-submucosa consisted of loose, irregular connective tissue and featured abundant lymphoid follicles and mucous glandular acini. The lymphoid follicles, parafollicular, and interfollicular areas contained small, medium, and large-sized lymphocytes, along with a few plasma cells and macrophages. Histochemical analysis revealed positive reactions for glycogen, mucin, acidic mucopolysaccharides, weakly sulfated acidic mucopolysaccharides, sialomucins, hyaluronic acid, and proteins in the mucous glands. These findings provide important insights into the structural and chemical composition of the paraepiglottic tonsils in goats, contributing to our understanding of their function in the local immune system.

Keywords:Paraepiglottic tonsils; Goats; Histology; Histochemistry; Reticular epithelium; Lymphoid tissue; Mucous glands; Immune system