Comparison of the anatomical arrangement of the branches arising from the descending aorta in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domestica) and European hare (Lepus europaeus)

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of the study was to describe the possible anatomical variations in origin of the branches arising from the descending aorta in rabbit and hare. The study was carried out on ten adult rabbits and ten adult European hares. The study was carried out using the corrosion technique. After the euthanasia, the vascular network was perfused with saline. Spofacryl Dental © was used as a casting medium. After polymerisation of the medium, the maceration was carried out in KOH solution. We found high variability in origin of the branches arising from the descending aorta in both species. The variations in the level of the origin of the celiac artery, cranial mesenteric artery, renal arteries, ovarian arteries, testicular arteries and caudal mesenteric artery were present between both species and within the same species. In some individuals of both species, variations in the level and the arrangement of the origin of the dorsal intercostal arteries, lumbar arteries and median sacral artery were present. According to our results, it can be concluded that the anatomical arrangement of branches of descending aorta shows a higher number of variations in domesticated rabbit in comparison with the hare.