Gross Morphological Studies on Hypothalamo-Pituitary Axis of Male Coimbatore Sheep

Abstract

The sheep, serve as the primary source of meat production within the country. They also yield a wide range of valuable products, including milk, skin, wool, and manure. They are widely used in the field of biomedical research because they serve as one of the most influential models of human organ systems. The hypothalamo-pituitary axis serves as a central regulatory unit for numerous physiological functions, including growth, reproduction, metabolism, and homeostasis. Heads of 21 Coimbatore sheep rams were procured from the Palakkad abattoir for gross anatomical examination. The study encompassed rams from three distinct age categories: pre-pubertal (<6 months), pubertal (9–24 months), and post-pubertal (>36 months). Gross anatomical structure and biometrical studies of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland were done. The hypothalamus extended from the optic chiasma to the end of the mammillary body. The length of the hypothalamus showed significant increase with advancing age. The pituitary gland exhibited an oval morphology, presenting a boat-like appearance in lateral view. The length, width, and depth of the pituitary gland were measured, all of which demonstrated a significant progressive increase with advancing age. The significant increase in one organ across age groups was closely associated with corresponding growth in other related organs, reflecting the coordinated development of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis.