Histological Studies on the Exocrine Portion of the Pancreas in the Saudi Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

The general features of the exocrine portion of the pancreas of the Saudi camel were studied microscopically. Specimens from 25 camels (Camelus dromedarius) of varying ages (2–12 years) and sexes were used. Microscopic results revealed that the pancreas of camel consists of a mixed endocrine and exocrine portion. It is covered with a thick capsule of connective tissue of collagenous, reticular, elastic fibres and blood vessels. The gland parenchyma is divided into lobules by the connective tissue septa, which extends septa from the internal surface of the capsule. These septa were abundant in adipose tissue and contained collagenous, elastic, reticular fibres, blood arteries, ducts, nerve fibres and ganglion cells. The acinar type predominated among the tubuloacinar secretory units. The excretory ducts started as centroacinar cells and formed intercalated, intralobular, interlobular and the main pancreatic ducts. In conclusion, the histology of the exocrine component of the pancreas in camels was similar to that of other domestic animals with a higher degree of acinar type and adipose tissue invaded the septa. However, uniquely, there were acinar cells in the connective tissue of the large ducts observed only in the present study.