SKUAST Journal of Research

The tissue samples were collected from ampulla in 10% Neutral Buffer Formalin, processed for paraffin sectioning and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histomorphology and with Periodic acid Schiff for histochemistry. The histomorphological observations showed that the ampulla had distinct three layers, i.e. tunica mucosa,propria-submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica adventitia. Its surface epithelium was pseudostratified columnar. The spermatozoa were seen adhering to it. Just below the surface epithelium tubulo-alveolar end-pieces were present in the propria-submucosa. The glandular units increased from cranial to caudal segments of ampulla. The propria-submucosa was rich in collagen and reticular fibers. Smooth muscle fibers and elastic fibers were absent. The collagen fibers predominate in number in the junction between submucosa and inner circular muscular layer. Glandular units consisted of alveoli, tubules and solid end-pieces. Collagen and reticular fibers surrounded these secretory end-pieces. The tunica muscularis consisted of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers. From the inner circular layer the smooth muscle fibers extended towards the mucosal folds and were present surrounding the alveoli. The histochemical results indicated that the fine granular reaction of periodic acid schiff was observed in the cytoplasm of glandular epithelium and secretory blebs in the apical region. The basement membrane of glandular and surface epithelium, and muscularis layers showed moderate to strong PAS positive reaction. The other layers of ampulla showed weak to moderate PAS reaction.