Abstract
Sciurus igniventris is a squirrel with broad distribution in South America. We examined one female adult specimen which was donated after death by trampling. The aim of this work was describe the morphological characteristics of mammary gland of one specimen. The body was fixed using 10% aqueous formaldehyde. Tissues were processed and slides prepared following standard histological protocols. Morphological analysis of the mammary glands revealed similarities to those described in the literature for domestic and wild mammals. As special features in kind, macroscopically identified a pair of thoracic glands, followed by three pairs of abdominal glands. Microscopically the abundant presence of connective tissue dividing the alveolar-tubular glands. Similar to that described for domestic and wild mammals.
Highlights
Sciurus igniventris (Mammalia: Rodentia) is a squirrel species in the family Sciuridae (Emmons, 1990)
Breastfeeding is performed via the mammary glands, which in females develop during the embryonic period
Tissues were prepared for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) by washing in distilled water, post-fixation in osmium tetroxide 1% (OsO4) for 2 hours, and dehydration using ethanol solutions with increasing concentrations until reaching the critical point (QUORUM/K850)
Summary
Sciurus igniventris (Mammalia: Rodentia) is a squirrel species in the family Sciuridae (Emmons, 1990). This species builds nests in trees that are used as resting places and shelter from inclement weather, as well as for protection against predators and provision of offspring, which require parental care from 3 to 5 years (Yahner, 1980; Carey, Wilson, Maguirre, & Biswell, 1997). Breastfeeding is performed via the mammary glands, which in females develop during the embryonic period. There are few descriptions of macro and microscopic features of squirrel mammary glands, and such knowledge is critical for an understanding of the physiological process of lactation in these animals and the perpetuation of the species. We present here a description of Sciurus igniventris mammary gland morphology
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