Authors : Hamid Karimi , Ghaffar Ardalani , Mohsen Abbasi , Shahram Darzi Larijani and Faramarz Shirmohammadi
Abstract: Vomeronasal organ is tubular structure which lies in floor of nasal cavity. The animals not only have essential olfactory system but also have accessory olfactory system. The vomeronasal organ has principle role in accessory olfactory system. Witten studied vomeronasal organ carefully for first time. This organ have principle role in urinary pheremones (sexual odor) sensation. In this survey, location, anatomical and histological structure of Vomeronasal Organ (VNO) of male Iranian helical horn goat (Capra Persica) was studied. Seventeen normal head of male Iranian helical horn goat were provided from Urmia industrial slaughterhouse. The mandible of 12 samples were separated and then the heads were sectioned longitudinally and horizontally (6 sections). Longitudinal sections are used for detection of length and horizontal sections are used for detection of diameter of VNO by biometry method. For histological studies, 4 sections were provided by maxilla in following regions: 4th palatine ridge, 8th palatine ridge, rostral of 1st premolar tooth and midline of first premolar tooth. Sections are decalcified and then they were stained by H and E method. Vomeronasal organ of Iranian helical horn goat was observed on maxillary bone, dorsally and superiorly of incisive duct. Its average length was measured 7.8 cm. It extended from incisive papillae to second premolar tooth. Its maximum diameter was observed in middle region with 1.8 mm length. Histological studies were appeared which VNO is encapsculated by hyaline cartilage capsule. Olfactory epithelium is lined inner part and respiratory epithelium is lined peripheral part of VNO of male Iranian helical horn goat. Lamina propria and tunica submucosa is filled by vascular loose connective tissue with erectile tissue. Results of this research appeared that VNO of male Iranian helical goat is connected with oral cavity by incisive duct. This connection was reported in other animals. In this animal, VNO has extended from incisive papillae to 2nd premolar tooth, Results of this research is similar to reports of other researchers. Due to length of muzzle of male Iranian helical horn goat is shorter than other animals (horse, cattle and buffalo) its Jacobson organ was shorter than them. Since, mucus layer of VNO is lined by respiratory and olfactory epithelium particularly, therefore this organ plays an effective role for receiving sexual odor and has a physiological role in sexual behaviors.
Hamid Karimi , Ghaffar Ardalani , Mohsen Abbasi , Shahram Darzi Larijani and Faramarz Shirmohammadi , 2007. The Anatomy and Histology of Vomeronasal Organ (VNO) of Male Iranian Helical Horn Goat (Capra persica) . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6: 1291-1295.