Morphological and Histological Description of Spiny Dogfishshark Liver, Squalusacanthais(Linnaeus,1758),Elasmobranchii,Squaliformes

The current study describes the morphological and histological appearance of the liver of the spiny dogfish Squalusacanthais, which is classified as Class: Chondrichthyes, Subclass: Elasmobranchi. Morphologically, the liver was observed as large, and consists of two symmetrical lobes connected from the upper side, and the gallbladder was observed in the right lobe. Histologically, liver sections were prepared with H&E stain, and examined with a light microscope. Hepatic parenchyma was surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue and primarily composed of hepatocytes. The nuclei of these cells were observed at the terminal site, with lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. Central veins were observed, surrounded by connective tissue and lined with a squamous epithelial layer. Hepatocytes were, separated by numerous blood sinusoids with connective tissue. Blood arteries were observed, surrounded by thick muscular fiber walls and narrow lumens compared to veins. The portal vein was observed, along with the artery and bile duct, surrounded by a thick connective tissue. The bile duct was surrounded by a layer of muscular fibers, lined with a simple columnar epithelial layer with clear nuclei, and a connective tissue layer. Melanin-containing cells were observed, but no hepatic lobules or connective tissue were seen between them. Additionally, Hepato-pancreatic tissue was not identified.