Fibrous trabeculae in the liver of alligator (alligator mississippiensis).
In the mature alligator, fibrous trabeculae run from the portal areas and capsule through the hepatic parenchyma. The extent of these trabeculae becomes clear only after staining for collagen with, for example, Fast green or Picrosirius red. The trabeculae are less well developed in young caiman. The alligator's liver might use the trabeculae to withstand thrashing of the body.
Beresford
W A
WA
Department of Anatomy, HSN, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26506-9128.
D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000818:Animals; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D011168:Portal System / Q000166:cytology