Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary Sciences

The appendix is a unique anatomical formation, which can be found only in some mammalian species, including the rabbit. It belongs to peripheral organs of immune system. Despite a significant number of experimental studies aimed at establishing its functions, data on its morphology in the rabbit are scattered and require refinement. The samples were obtained from 12 clinically healthy males 4 months of age of the white Panon breed. The classical methods of morphological research were used. The samples were fixed in a 6% neutral buffered formalin solution and embedded in paraffin. Sections (8−10 μm thick) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and according to Van Gieson. The appendix differed from other parts of the cecum due to its form, diameter, color and wall thickness. The mucous membrane occupied the largest area of the rabbit appendix wall (94.68 ± 1,13 %). It contained lymphoid tissue, which was represented by diffuse and nodular forms. The nodular form occupied 84.99 ± 3.71 % of lymphoid tissue, and the diffuse form – 15.01 ± 3.71 %.

rabbit, caecum, appendix, mucous membrane, lymphoid tissue, lymphoid nodules