Abstract
Three dimensional vascular architecture in the omasal laminae of sheep was studied by scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts. The omasal laminae were equipped with well-developed subepithelial capillary network with various capillary loops and inter-papillar undulations. The capillary loops were more highly developed in the omasal papillae than in the inter-papillar space and more in the oral region than in the aboral. The capillary loops were inconspicuous in the inter-papillar space of the middle and aboral regions and in the omasal papillae of the aboral region. On the other hand, the inter-papillar undulation of the capillary network was more conspicuous in the aboral region than in the other regions of the omasal mucosa. These findings may indicate a regional diversity in the function of the omasal laminae.
