Morphological investigation of arcus aortae and branches in badger (Meles meles)

Abstract

The branches originating from the arcus aortae formed by the aortae after exiting the heart differ between animals. In this study, it was aimed to examine the morphology of the arcus aortae in the badger (Meles meles). Two adult badgers, which died as a result of a traffic accident at different times and were brought to the Anatomy laboratory, were used as material. Thorax was dissected and the heart and aortae were exposed. It was observed the heart was located between 3rd-7th costae and was connected to the diaphragma with the ligamentum sternophericardiacum. It was determined that truncus brachiocephalicus and arteria subclavia sinistra was originated from the arcus aortae at the level of 4th costa. It was determined that the first branch of truncus brachiocephalicus was arteria carotis communis sinistra and then divided into arteria subclavia dextra and arteria carotis communis dextra, respectively. It was seen that arteria vertebralis, truncus costocervicalis, arteria cervicalis superficialis and arteria thoracica interna originated from arteria subclavia sinistra. Branches of arteria subclavia dextra were found to be similar to arteria subclavia sinistra. It was determined that the branches originating from the arcus aortae were similar to those in cats and dogs. It is thought that this study will contribute to the anatomical knowledge of the endangered badger, which is under protection.