Vascular arrangement in the skin of tropical cattle

The vascular arrangement in the skin of some tropical breeds of cattle and of temperate cattle in a tropical environment is reported. Four vascular plexuses were observed in the skin of all breeds of cattle studied. The first horizontal plexus was observed between the subcutaneous and reticular layers, the second at mid-reticular layer level, and the third and most prominent at the level of the hair papillae and sweat glands. The fourth plexus arose as a branch from the third, extended upwards to the sebaceous gland and upper hair follicle region and gave off twigs to the dermo-epidermal junction. The sweat glands and hair follicles were profusely supplied with blood vessels. The branches of the fourth plexus extended closer to the epidermis in the tropical breeds than in the Friesian.