SOME ASPECTS OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE ADRENAL GLAND IN SNAKES

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Abstract
During the course of an investigation designed to define the seasonal functional changes in the adrenal gland of the Cobra, Naja naja (Linn.), two interesting structural features were observed. After routine staining with Heidenhain's iron haematoxylin and picro-aniline blue or Ehrlich's haematoxylin and eosin a distinct 'zonation' of the gland is apparent. As in other reptiles (Chester Jones, 1957; Deane, 1962), the adrenocortical cells are arranged in cords with an overall anterior-posterior orientation. In saggital sections, therefore, the cells of the cords appear as parallel rows, while in transverse sections circular cords with radiating cells predominate. However, peripherally placed cords of cells in the sub capsular part of the gland are distinct from the remainder (Plate, fig. 1), an arrangement reminiscent of the zona glomerulosa of the mammalian adrenal gland. This subcapsular zone completely surrounds the remaining part of the gland and is thickened at the poles, especially at the

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