Histological and histochemical characteristics of the oral, pharyngeal and accessory digestive organs in the water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) from Thailand

Srichairat, N., Taksintum, W.,Chumnanpuen, P. (2022). Histological and histochemical characteristics of the oral, pharyngeal and accessory digestive organs in the water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) from Thailand. Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, 51, https://doi.org/10.1111/ahe.12846. The water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) is largely distributed in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, which the microanatomical structure studies on this particular species have been limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine and describe the oral, pharyngeal and accessory digestive organs' histological and histochemical characteristics. Histological and histochemical examinations were performed on the two specimens (male and female). The majority of V. salvator oral, pharyngeal and accessory digestive organs are similar to those of other vertebrates, according to the results of the histological investigation. However, several unique characteristics have been observed, such as the dentine lamella (plicidentine fold) at the tooth root structure was discovered to be attached to the jaw bone, the absence of lingual papillae and taste buds on the tongue, and the absence of inner surface folding structures in the gallbladder. Regarding mucin histochemical investigation, acid and neutral mucins were discovered in the pharyngeal glands of V. salvator, whereas only acid mucin was found in the mandibular salivary glands. This study reveals the histological and histochemical characteristics of V. salvator oral, pharyngeal and accessory digestive organs, which could be employed to improve digestive tract function, as well as the necessity of understanding animal digestive processes.