A stereological analysis on the calculation of the volume values of thoracic segments in ducks.

Stereology is a method for examining two-dimensional objects as three-dimensional objects. The aim of this study was to offer volume values for thoracic segments in ducks by means of stereological methods. This study examined the data obtained from stereological analysis of the total volume and grey and white matter volume values of the thoracic segment, a part of the adult duck spinal cord with a weight of 3-4 kg. In the study, study samples consisted of 10 adult ducks (Anas) used without gender discrimination. To perfuse all of the animals, 10% formaldehyde was utilised. The perfused animals were kept in 10% formaldehyde for one week. The spinal cord was uncovered following the removal of arcus vertebrae parts of thoracic vertebrae in the thoracic part of dissected ducks. Tissue samples of thoracic segments were taken; 5-µm-thick cross sections from these tissue samples were taken via microtome. Attention was paid to obtaining samples at the ratio of 1/250 by taking 12 cross sections from each segment. The cross sections were subjected to haematoxylin-eosin staining. Photographs of all cross sections were taken using a microscope. The volume values of all tissue and grey and white matter structures in each thoracic segment of the spinal cord were calculated. The total volume, grey and white matter volume densities in thoracic segments of ducks, as well as the data obtained as a result of proportioning volume values of one another are represented in the conclusion section of this study.