Histological Changes in the Sacral Region of Spinal Cord in Goat Foetuses¹

Prenatal development of sacral region of spinal cord in goat was studied using 52 foetuses of various age groups. The region was with prominent dorsal horn and also presented reticular formation. Sacral nucleus of Stilling and prominent substantia gelatinosa were seen at the first sacral segment. First and second segments showed a lateral horn and wide ventral horn. Fourth segment presented dispersed nuclear aggregations and decreased white matter. Central canal was narrow at the first sacral segment; elongated at the second segment; and wider at fourth segment. White matter of sacral segments exhibited an undivided dorsal funiculus and medial longitudinal fasciculus from second month onwards. Other tracts bordering the ventral median fissure and spinocerebellar tracts were seen from fourth month onwards.