The architecture of the myosalpinx in the sow as revealed by scanning electron microscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a definitive settlement of data on the architecture of myosalpinx in the sow in consideration of controversial data existing in literature.


METHODS
To allow direct visualization of muscular architecture, segments of tube from fifteen sows were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy after the removal of interstitial connective tissue with NAOH digestion.


RESULTS
In the extramural portion of the tubo-uterine junction, in the isthmus and ampulla, the myosalpinx is mainly constituted by oblique bundles of variable length, which run around the tube and merge into the surrounding musculature, giving origin to a plexiform arrangement. In the ampulla the fibers join in short bundles variously oriented.


CONCLUSIONS
The three-dimensional architecture of the sow myosalpinx consists of muscular bundles independent of one another which follow multiple spatial arrangements and form a complex network. Such a muscular structure is likely more suitable for stirring rather than pushing the embryo and gametes.
Muglia
U
U
Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Messina, Italy.
Abbate
F
F
Correr
S
S
Germanà
G
G
Motta
P M
PM
D000818:Animals; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013552:Swine / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000033:anatomy & histology