Arterial retia related to supply of the central nervous system in two small toothed whales- narwhal (Monodon monoceros) an beluga (Delphinapterus leucas).

Abstract

We have studied the comparative anatomy of arterial plexuses (retia mirabilia) related to supply of the central nervous system in two closely related species of toothed whales - narwhal (Monodon monoceros) and beluga Delphinaterus leucas). In both species, retia originate from major vessels in the neck, thorax, and lumbar regions, then extend into the neural canal and cranium to supply the spinal cord and brain. The system generally consists of arteries embedded in á matrix of fatty connective tissue. Constituent vessels are only occasionally reated to veins or venous sinuses. Though retial anatomy is similar in the two species, there are two related features that appear species specific: (1) amount of retia originating from the supreme intercostal arteries and (2) thoracic retial size. Both are larger in the narwhal, as are values for hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration, which, in this study, we use as indices of diving ability. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that the retia are in some way linked to diving ability. The nature of this link is not known; however, we discuss our results in the context of the most popular hyotheses of retial function.