Morphological studies were conducted on the skull of a hippopotamus brought to the Veterinary college for postmortem examination. &nbsp;Skull of the hippopotamus was huge and notable for its little brain case and high supra-orbital ridges. The skull had a larger splanchnocranium than the neurocranium. &nbsp;From the dorsal view, the skull had a watch glass appearance because of its narrow middle portion (at the region of maxillae) and wide caudal and rostral portions. &nbsp;Maxilla showed a large Eminenta canina and two infraorbital foramina leading to two separate infraorbital canals. The premaxilla lodged two huge incisors and just above the central incisor, there was a large rough eminence for the elevated nostrils. Three to four large rounded lacrimal bullae were seen on the floor of the bony orbit. &nbsp;Frontal bone presented a strongly convex smooth supra-orbital ridge that formed upper margin of the orbit which projected from the surface of the skull. &nbsp;The median sagittal crest was very high that diverged to accommodate the concave forehead in front. Temporal fossa was very extensive. &nbsp;Caudal surface of the skull showed a concave nuchal surface and the external occipital protuberance was in the form of a crest. The paramastoid process and external auditory process were very short. Bulla tympanica was conical with a pyramidal muscular process. &nbsp;Anatomical peculiarities of the skull and their functional significance are discussed.

Gross anatomy of the skull of hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)

<div style="text-align: justify;">The present study was conducted on the scapula of five adult tigers to record the characteristic features of scapula bone. It was placed on lateral aspect of thorax, directed downward and forward. It was in the form of wide plate having scapular spine on lateral aspect. The height of spine increased gradually towards the distal end. The acromian process was subdivided into hamate process and suprahamate process. Hamate process overhanged the glenoid cavity. The suprahamate process was in the form of thin triangular plate directed backwards. The supraspinous fossa presented undulating surface in its middle. The infraspinous fossa was triangular and more or less flattened. Subscapular fossa was shallow and presented two prominent ridges. The caudal angle of the scapula was terminated in to glenoid cavity which was oval to quadrangular in shape. Cranial and proximal to the glenoid cavity prominent supraglenoid tubercle was observed which had hook shaped coracoid process. Scapula of both the sides were morphologically similar but the morphometrical values for the right scapula were non-significantly higher than the left counterpart (t&lt; 0.05), which may be of some biomechanical importance.</div>

Gross anatomy of scapula in Tiger (Panthera tigris)

<div>Background: The present study was aimed for the promotion and advancement of the anatomical knowledge at the gross, light microscopic and electron microscopic level in Zovawk (mizo local pig).&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The current investigation was done at the Instructional livestock farm, Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram and Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility (SAIF), North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, Meghalaya. Six liver samples were collected from six apparently healthy Zovawk animal of either sex and gross morphological observations were done directly after collection. Thereafter tissue samples were collected as such and were preserved in neutral buffer formalin (NBF) and in Karnovsky&rsquo;s fixative for routine histology and transmission electron microscopic examination, respectively. 
 
Result: Zovawk liver shows four distinct borders, i.e. medial, lateral, dorsal and ventral border, two surfaces, i.e. parietal surface or diaphragmatic surface and caudal or visceral surface and six distinct lobes. The average weight of Zovawk liver was 1.402 kg. Weight of the liver was highly correlated with body weight of animal. Histologically, Zovawk liver was characterized with thick Glisson&rsquo;s capsule and thick connective tissue septa emerging from it, which gives the hepatic lobules its hexagonal shape. Sinusoids of adjacent hepatocytes were lined by stellate shaped Kupffer cells. The ultra-structural examination of liver shows that, the hepatocytes were rich in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and glycogen granules. Free ribosome and well developed rER and dense lysosomal granules were common in those hepatocyte.</div>

<div>Anatomy of the Liver of Mizoram Local Pig (Zovawk)</div>

<div>Background: The agro-climatic condition of Assam is suitable for duck rearing. Duck rearing contributes a major part to uplift the socio-economic condition of the rural poor people of Assam as well as others states located in the coastal regions of India. The Pati duck (Anasplatyrhynchos domesticus) population constitutes a major indigenous non-descript economically important duck variety in the state of Assam. The Harderian gland acts as a part of the Head Associated Lymphoid Tissue (HALT) <a href="#olah_1992">Olah et al. (1992)</a> and provides local innate immunity to the upper respiratory system, to the eye and oral cavity. Since literature on the postnatal development of Harderian gland of Pati duck is scant, hence the present study was designed to establish the basic anatomical details on Harderian gland at different stages of postnatal development of Pati duck of Assam.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on total forty five (45) numbers Pati duck of Assam at different stages of postnatal development. The experimental birds were brought to the Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-22 and was sacrificed according to the method of <a href="#gracy_1986">Gracy (1986)</a>. After slaughter, the birds were placed on a clean dissecting table and skin and fascia were reflected carefully without disturbing the other organs of the head region. The Harderian gland was collected by opening the orbital cavity. Thereafter, length, breadth and thickness of the Harderian gland of all age group were recorded with the help of the Vernier Callipers <a href="#mcCance_1974">(McCance, 1974)</a> and topographical location of the gland was observed. The weight of the Harderian gland of all age group was also recorded with the help of electronic balance.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The Harderian gland of Pati duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) was located &nbsp;within the orbit. The gland was flat, oval and coma shaped with irregular border. The gland had two surfaces i.e. the parietal and visceral surfaces, two borders and two blunt poles. The parietal surface was found convex and attached to fascia covered by the nasal bones and interorbital septa. The visceral surface was concave and it was attached loosely to the eye ball with fascia. The lobes of the Harderian gland became more prominent with the advancement of the age. The gland was light pink in colour. The arterial blood and the venus drainage was by provided by the ophthalmic artery and vein, respectively. The slender branch of oculomotor nerve innervated the Harderian gland. The result reflected an ascending trend from 0 week age group to 42 week age group in regard to all the gross parameters. There were slight difference between left and right glands for all the gross parameters but such variations were not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). Each lobe of the Harderian Gland of Pati duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) had a single short duct which opened into the conjunctival sac at the base of the 3rd eyelid.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Post Natal Gross Anatomical Studies on the Harderian Gland of Pati Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) of Assam</div>

<div>Background: The thyroid gland is vital endocrine gland which secretes three hormones i.e. thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and Calcitonin hormones. The thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones are biologically active and are required for maintenance of normal levels of metabolic activity. The thyroid also produces calcitonin from the parafollicular cells which act directly on osteoclast to decrease the bone resorption which lower the blood calcium level. Deficient or excessive production of thyroid hormones may lead to serious pathological states with outward symptoms.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The gross anatomical and biometrical studies were conducted on thyroid gland of buffalo, sheep and goat (n=12) collected immediately after slaughtering from slaughter house and local meat shop. The weight of thyroid gland was measured by weighing balance, volume by water displacement method, length and width of lateral lobes and isthmus by calibrated scale and inelastic thread and thickness of lateral lobes and isthmus was measured by digital vernier calliper. The data was analysed statistically. 
 
Result: The lateral lobes were roughly triangular in buffalo and elongated in sheep and oval in goat. The surfaces were granular and rough in buffalo but smooth in sheep and goat. It extended from thyroid cartilage to 2nd tracheal ring in buffalo, 1st to 6th tracheal ring in sheep and 1st to 7th tracheal ring in goat. The left lobe was larger than the right lobe in all the three species studied. The thyroid gland was biggest in buffalo followed by goat and smallest in sheep. The density of isthmus was more than the lobes in sheep and goat but not in buffalo.</div>

​Comparative Gross Anatomical and Biometrical Studies on Thyroid Gland of Buffalo, Sheep and Goat

<div>Background: Bear specialist group recommended that the basic research on the Malayan sun bear is the highest priority need. Without such information, the establishment and implementation of scientifically-sound conservation plans is difficult. Therefore, present study was designed to provide information on gross morphological and light microscopic architecture of the spleen. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on the spleen of one Malayan sun bear. After doing the gross parameters the tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and were processed for light microscopic studies. Blocks were cut at 6&mu; thickness by Leica Semimotorized Rotary Microtome and stained by Harris&rsquo; haematoxylin and eosin for routine study.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The spleen of Malayan sun bear was located in the left hypogastric region and entirely intrathoracic as the stomach was almost empty. The parietal surface faces the diaphragm and left lateral abdominal wall, whereas the visceral surface was divided into gastric face and intestinal face by the ridge like hilus. The spleen of Malayan Sun Bear was surrounded by a thick connective tissue capsule invested by the peritoneum. The capsule, trabeculae and reticular fibers support the splenic parenchyma composed of a red pulp and a white pulp.</div>

<div>Gross Morphological and Light Microscopic Studies of the Spleen of Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)</div>

Background: Islet transplantation is a potential treatment option for selected patients with type 1 diabetes. The limited supply of human islet from cadavers and poor islet yield remains a significant barrier to progress in the field. So, the use of porcine islets holds great promise for large scale application for the transplantation of the islet. The primary aim of this study was to describe the gross and morphological studies of the porcine pancreas to rule out its similarity to human pancreas. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Pancreas was collected from eight apparently healthy Large White Yorkshire pig (6-7 months of age). The gross and morphological studies were analyzed by using different staining techniques. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The pancreas appeared as pale pink triangular lobulated gland located along the dorsal aspect of the abdominal cavity behind the stomach having exocrine and endocrine part. Histologically, two types of acinar cell were identified i.e. active and resting acinar cells. The islets were richly vascularized and were separated from the exocrine acini by a thin layer of collagen, elastic and reticular fibers which were seen extending into the interior of the islets. Mainly three types of cells were observed in islets i.e. alpha (A), beta (B) and delta (D) cells. Epithelial duct and secretory cells showed strong positive reaction for both Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian Blue (pH-2.5) whereas islets of Langerhans showed moderate activity for both.

Observation on the Gross and Histology of the Exocrine and Endocrine Pancreas in Large White Yorkshire Pig

<div>Background: Bovine anaplasmosis is a haemolytic disease of cattle caused by an obligate intra-erythrocytic bacterium Anaplasma marginale and is characterized by high fever, dyspnoea, anaemia, icterus, decreased milk production and death. The present study was undertaken to study the gross and histopathological changes caused by naturally occurring A. marginale infection in cattle.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: History and clinical examination of animals revealed inappetance/anorexia, presence of tick infestation, high fever, pale or icteric mucous membranes, tachycardia, dyspnoea and lymphadenomegaly. The diagnosis of A. marginale infection was done by blood smear examination and further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis. During the present study, two animals did not respond to treatment and were succumbed to A. marginale infection. A systematic post-mortem examination was performed on the animals and gross lesions were recorded. The tissue samples from various vital organs such as heart, lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys were collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed for histopathological examination.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The post-mortem examination revealed emaciated carcass with yellowish discoloration of serosal surfaces of the abdominal organs, haemorrhagic heart, congestion of lungs, hepatomegaly, distension of the gallbladder and splenomegaly. The major histopathological changes noticed included myocardial degeneration and necrosis, interstitial pneumonic changes, degenerative changes in hepatocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells, enlargement of red pulp area of spleen with histiocytic proliferation and hemosiderosis. Histopathology also revealed inflammatory process characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells in various organs. Very few reports are available on the pathological aspects of A. marginale infection and thus the outcome of the present study can yield valuable information to aid in the diagnosis of bovine anaplasmosis under field conditions.</div>

<div>Gross and Histopathological Findings of Naturally Occurring Anaplasma marginale Infection in Cattle</div>

Background: The study explores integrating three-dimensional (3D) printing technology into veterinary anatomy education, focusing on the development and application of feline scapula-humerus models. Precise anatomical replicas were produced using 3D scanning and printing process to support hands-on learning experiences. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: A controlled experiment was conducted with 102 first-year veterinary students, divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group used 3D-printed models, while the control group utilized real bones for anatomy lessons. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Comparative assessment through bell-ringer examinations demonstrated no significant difference in performance between the groups, validating the effectiveness of 3D-printed models as educational tools. The study highlights the advantages of 3D technology, including cost-effectiveness, reusability and its potential to overcome limitations associated with traditional teaching materials. This research contributes to the growing evidence supporting 3D printing as a transformative tool in enhancing spatial understanding and practical knowledge in veterinary and medical education. 
&nbsp;

The Role of 3D Laser Scanning and Printing in Veterinary Anatomy Education: A Study on Feline Scapula and Humerus

Water deficit is undoubtedly one of the most important environmental stresses limiting the productivity of chickpea around the world. Exogenous application of bioregulators has been found to be a novel technology for imparting stress tolerance in crop plants. This study evaluated the changes brought about by two bioregulators viz., thiourea (TU) and thidiazuron (TDZ) under water deficit stress in chickpea leaf anatomy, chloroplast ultrastructure and photosynthesis. The experiment was conducted using Pusa 362 (Desi type) chickpea variety. Imposed water deficit treatment decreased relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI) and photosynthetic rate (PN). However, bioregulators application maintained higher RWC, MSI and PN under water deficit stress. Under imposed water stress, compact palisade layers of the mesophyll tissue were disrupted and cell size of the mesophyll cells displayed drastic reduction. Chloroplast, under water stress, displayed a number of grana with lose type of thylakoid, large increase in osmiophillic granules, reduction in the amount of starch granules and overall disruption of the thylakoid membrane. Foliar application of bioregulators maintained the integrity of mesophyll tissue and chloroplast structure thereby protected the chickpea plants from the detrimental effects of water deficit stress.&nbsp;