Rostral Epidural Rete Mirabile Research Articles

Comprehensive analysis of the rostral and caudal cerebral artery branching patterns in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

In mammals, the cerebral cortex depends on a robust blood supply for optimal function. The rostral and caudal cerebral arteries are critical for supplying the cerebrum. This study presents the first detailed anatomical description of the rostral and caudal cerebral arteries of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius), including their origins, routes, and complex branching patterns. A sample of 55 heads from male dromedary camels aged 2-6 years was analyzed using advanced casting techniques with various casting materials to provide precise visualization of these arterial structures. The rostral cerebral arteries originate dorsally from the rostral epidural rete mirabile (RERM), while the caudal cerebral arteries arise from the caudal communicating artery, which is another branch of the RERM. Both sets of arteries give rise to multiple cortical branches responsible for supplying the medial aspects of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, as well as the medial and caudal regions of the occipital lobes. This study significantly expands our understanding of the cerebrovascular anatomy of dromedary camels. Our findings have potential implications for veterinary medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in camels and may offer insights into broader comparative neuroscience research.

Comprehensive anatomical study of meningeal arteries in dromedaries

This study provides a detailed, in-depth analysis of the anatomy, topography, and branching patterns of the meningeal arteries in dromedary camels, a subject that has not previously been thoroughly studied in animals, providing insight into the intricate biological adaptations that allow them to survive in harsh environments. By precisely examining 20 heads obtained from freshly slaughtered dromedaries, we revealed the origins and topologies of the rostral, middle, and caudal meningeal arteries using advanced casting techniques for precise rendering. Our findings indicate that the rostral meningeal artery derives from the external ethmoidal artery and primarily supplies the rostrodorsal region of the frontal lobe. The middle meningeal artery provides blood to approximately two-thirds of the brain meninges. The caudal meningeal artery is derived from the occipital artery and supplies the meninges covering the cerebellum, caudal part of the falx cerebri, and tentorium cerebelli. Significantly, our study revealed the presence of accessory branches originating from the rostral epidural rete mirabile, a finding not previously described in the existing literature. These branches supply the meninges of the frontal and lateral regions of the frontal lobes. This novel study advances our understanding of the meningeal arteries in dromedaries and has significant implications for advancements in veterinary neuroscience.

Cerebral arterial vascularization of the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah)

The Scimitar-horned Oryx (Oryx dammah) is a large terrestrial mammal native to Africa. Since the year 2000, it is classified as extinct in the wild. It is a subject of various conservation projects. The aim of this study was to describe the arterial vascularization of the brain in this species of oryx. Three different anatomical methods were used to obtain a complete arterial pattern - latex injection, corrosion cast, and computed tomography. The arterial vascularization of the brain was described. The main components of the cerebral arterial circle were the rostral cerebral arteries and the caudal communicating arteries. These vessels were created from the intracranial part of the internal carotid artery, that emerged from the rostral epidural rete mirabile. In the juvenile specimen, the whole internal carotid artery was observed. The anatomical pathways of the blood supply to the brain are important during medical procedures in cases of congestion and fainting caused by inadequate brain blood perfusion.

The internal carotid artery in the ontogenesis of selected representatives of the Cervidae family in Poland

In Poland, the environment occurs with the red deer, fallow deer, Eurasian elk and roe deer. Among the ruminants, changes occurring during ontogeny in the arterial system of the head, involving obliteration of the extracranial segment of the internal carotid artery. The aim of this study was to describe the presence and course of the internal carotid artery and indicate the timing of changes in the vascular system of the head associated with the process of obliteration of this vessel. The study was conducted on 146 representatives of the Cervidae family: red deer, fallow deer and roe deer This study showed the presence of a fully preserved internal carotid artery in fetuses and young animals up to the age of about two years. In animals of about 2.5 years of age, only the initial fragment of the internal carotid artery emerging from the carotid sinus and a short fragment directly through the rostral epidural rete mirabile were preserved. In adult animals older than three years the extracranial part of this artery was obliterated.

A comprehensive study on the arterial vasculature of the brain in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): Clinical correlates.

The present study was designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the anatomical aspects of arterial blood vasculature in the water buffalo brains. Fifty cranial cavities of adult water buffaloes were opened via both the dorsal and ventral approaches and the arteries were exposed and photographed. The buffalo rostral epidural rete mirabile generally resembled that of large ruminants. The oculomotor, abducent and trigeminal nerves were intimately associated with the rostral rete. Similar to the majority of ruminants, the arterial circle of the brain was heart-shaped in buffalos and presented all collateral blood vessels as mentioned in the previous literature. The study further revealed that the cranial nerve roots were closely related to the arterial circle of the brain and could be used as indicators for differentiating various branches of the arterial circle of the brain. In addition to the usual variations of the arterial circle of the brain, a bihemispheric rostral cerebral artery along with an aplastic rostral cerebral artery were reported for the first time. The deviant behaviour of the rostral cerebral artery forms a baseline to study various clinical conditions of the blood vasculature in the buffalo brain. The rostral choroidal, middle cerebral and the caudal cerebral arteries constantly were emerged as single vessels without any variations. In conclusion, the anatomy of the arterial vasculature of the buffalo brain observed in the present study provided evidence of its morphological resemblance to other species of the Bovini tribe.

The structure of the rostral epidural rete mirabile and caudal epidural rete mirabile of the domestic pig.

The rostral epidural rete mirabile in the domestic pig has been studied by many scientists; however, the caudal epidural rete mirabile has been poorly understood and is rarely mentioned in the literature in domestic pig species. Based on the role of the rostral epidural rete mirabile in retrograde transfer of neurotransmitters and its localisation and structure, we hypothesize that the caudal rete may also play an important role in this process. The study was conducted on 80 domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) of the Suidae family, including 60 piglets aged 0-20 days and 20 adult animals aged 5-9 months. The rostral epidural rete mirabile is an even well-developed structure consisting of dozens of anastomosing arterioles embedded in the cavernous sinus, formed by the maxillary and external ocular artery branches, which are extensions of the external carotid artery, and a thick branch to the rostral epidural rete mirabile. However, the caudal epidural rete mirabile is a structure made up of several interlacing arterioles consisting of the vertebral, condylar and occipital arteries on the caudal side, while on the rostral side it is made up of the middle meningeal artery branching off the inner surface of the temporal bone. The whole caudal epidural rete mirabile is embedded in the basilar and occipital sinuses, which led us to hypothesise that in these sinuses a retrograde transfer of neurotransmitters may take place analogous to the rostral epidural rete mirabile.

The Rostral Epidural Rete Mirabile: Functional Significance in Blood Flow Regulatory Mechanisms in Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis)

The distinctive long neck of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) entails functional difficulties brought about by the extended distance between the heart and the head. Blood must be circulated over 2 m from the heart to the brain against gravitational force. The natural movement of the head to ground level would result in a large volume of blood moving toward the brain with the force of gravity. Large blood volumes also rush to the brain during bulls’ fighting (necking), rendering the giraffe susceptible to possible brain damage. The natural movement of the head from ground level to fully erect would result in blood moving away from the brain with gravitational force. The lack of blood perfusing the brain can cause fainting. The giraffe, however, suffers neither brain damage nor fainting. What adaptations do giraffes have to counteract these challenges? The aim of this study was to investigate the functionality of the rostral epidural rete mirabile situated just beneath the brain and its possible contribution to successful circulation in long-necked giraffes. The unique rostral epidural rete mirabile structure significantly contributes to counteract physiological challenges. Turns and bends characterize this structural arterial meshwork and subsequently an increased artery length through which blood flow must proceed before entrance into the brain, exerting resistance to blood racing to the brain when the head is lowered to the ground. The brain is supplied mainly by the maxillary artery through the carotid rete, with a rudimentary basilar artery not contributing to the brain’s blood supply. The resistance to blood flow due to the structure and position of the rostral epidural rete mirabile when the head is in the upright position is counteracted by the unique carotid-vertebral anastomosis allowing immediate cerebral blood supply. The rostral epidural rete mirabile structure in giraffes is an essential feature balancing physiological difficulties arising due to the extensive heart-to-head distance and might fulfill the same function in other long-necked artiodactyls.

Comparison of the Rostral Epidural Rete Mirabile and the Patterns of Its Blood Supply in Selected Suiformes and Hippopotamuses.

The rostral epidural rete mirabile (rete mirabile epidurale rostrale) is built of considerable small arterial vessels that anastomose with each other. This structure is formed as a result of the division of a large arterial vessel into many small arteries. Furthermore, on the other side of the rete mirabile, these small arteries are joined together to form one large artery, through which blood flows out of the rete mirabile. This system participates in decreasing the temperature of the brain and thus protects the body from thermal stress. Moreover, it influences body-water balance and has a crucial role in the retrograde transfer of neuropeptides. The goal of this study was to describe the rostral epidural rete mirabile and pathways that provide blood to this structure as well as compare it in selected Suiformes and hippopotamuses. The study was performed on desert warthogs (Phacochoerus aethiopicus), Eurasian wild boars (Sus scrofa), collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu), pygmy hippopotamuses (Choeropsis liberiensis), and common hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibius). Preparations were made using the latex method and corrosion cast. An elongated shape characterizes its anatomy with a much wider rostral part than caudal part in the Eurasian wild boars, desert warthogs, and collared peccaries. The main source of blood was the branch to the rostral epidural rete mirabile branched off from the internal carotid artery. Moreover, blood enters the rete by the caudal branch and rostral branch to the rostral epidural rete mirabile. In hippopotamuses, the major source of blood was the rostral branches to the rostral epidural rete mirabile.

Arterial circle of the brain in the common wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus).

The main aim of this study was to analyze the arterial circle of the brain and rostral epidural rete mirabile in specimens of the common wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). The arterial circle of the brain is a circulatory anastomosis that supplies blood to particular lobes of the brain and surrounding structures. The study was conducted on male and female adults (n=12) by bilateral injection of an acetone solution of vinyl superchloride or latex LBS3060, which resulted in a cast of arteries of the head and encephalic base. We describe the exact structure of the arterial circle of the brain and rostral epidural rete mirabile. The shape of the arterial circle of the brain in the common wildebeest is heart-shaped, as in other Bovidae. It is formed by bilateral rostral cerebral arteries, caudal communicating arteries, and the basilar artery, with a general pattern of vessels forming and branching off from the arterial circle of the brain, as described in other ruminants. The rostral cerebral and caudal communicating arteries emerge from an intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery, which in turn arises from vessels of the rostral epidural rete mirabile. This structure, well developed in the examined individuals, has mechanisms underlying selective cooling of the brain, protecting animals from hyperthermia, and affecting body water balance.

The rostral epidural rete mirabile of the llama as a place of retrograde transport of various substances – anatomical basics

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyse the structure of the rostral epidural rete mirabile in the llama. Some specimens were prepared by injecting stained chemically cured acrylic into the bilateral common carotid arteries. After about 1 month received vascular corrosion casts on the bone scaffold. Some specimens made using red and blue latex introduced into the bilateral common carotid arteries and the bilateral external jugular vein. The rostral epidural rete mirabile is a well-developed, bilateral structure composed of numerous arteries, which are multiply anastomosed with each other. The cranial section of the rete is asymmetrical. Its lateral part is much better developed, because there are rostral branches to the rostral epidural rete mirabile at this point. The arterial vessels are not accompanied by homonymous veins. However, the arteries of the rostral epidural rete mirabile are accompanied by venous vessels of the cavernous sinus. That rete plays an important role in selective brain cooling, the conservation of body water, and retrograde transport of neurotransmitters. CO, GnRH, beta-endorphin, progesterone, testosterone, oxytocin, LHRH and dopamine diffuse from the venous blood of the cavernous sinus to the arterial blood of the rostral epidural rete mirabile.

The structure of the rostral epidural rete mirabile in selected representatives of the Cervidae and Bovidae families

AbstractThe rostral epidural rete mirabile appears in many studies on cerebral vascularisation; however, its exact characteristics are poorly understood. Its structure and location have a mechanism of selective cooling of the brain, protecting the animal from hyperthermia and affecting the body water balance. The aim of this study was to analyse the structure of the rostral epidural rete mirabile along with its tributaries. The study material consisted of a total of 61 specimens from the deer family belonging to the European roe deer, red deer and fallow deer species and those belonging to the beef family: domestic cattle, European bison, domestic sheep and domestic goat. The rostral epidural rete mirabile in the families of this study is well developed. It is formed of many small arteries anastomosing with each other and its main tributary is the maxillary artery, which is an extension of the external carotid artery. Additionally, in cervids, blood is supplied by the condylar artery. Within the families analysed, there was considerable similarity in the plan of construction within the rostral epidural rete mirabile, with minor differences among individual taxa.

Vertebrobasilar Contribution to Cerebral Arterial System of Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius).

It is hypothesized that in the “more highly evolved” mammals, including the domesticated mammals, that the brainstem and the cerebellum receive arterial blood through the vertebrobasilar system whilst the internal carotid arteries primarily supply the forebrain. In camels, the arterial blood supply to the brain differs from that of ruminants since the internal carotid artery and the rostral epidural rete mirabile (RERM) are both present and the basilar artery contributes a significant proportion of cerebral afferent blood. In this study, we described the anatomical distribution of the vertebrobasilar system arterial supply in the dromedary. Secondly, we determined the direction of blood flow within the vertebral and basilar arteries using transcranial color doppler ultrasonography. Thirdly, we quantified the percentage arterial contributions of the carotid and vertebrobasilar systems to the dromedary brain. Fifty-five heads of freshly slaughtered male Omani dromedaries aged 2–6 years were dissected to determine the distribution and topography of the arterial distribution to the brain. Their anatomical orientation was assessed by casting techniques using epoxy resin, polyurethane resin and latex neoprene. The epoxy resin and polyurethane resin casts of the head and neck arteries were used to measure the diameter of vertebrobasilar arterial system and carotid arterial system at pre-determined locations. These arterial diameters were used to calculate the percentage of blood supplied by each arterial system. The vertebrobasilar system in dromedary camels consists of paired vertebral arteries that contribute to the ventral spinal artery and basilar artery at multiple locations. In most specimens the vertebral artery was the primary contributor to the basilar artery compared to that of the ventral spinal artery. In four specimens the ventral spinal arteries appear to be the dominant contributor to the basilar artery. Transcranial color doppler ultrasonography confirmed that the direction of blood flow within the vertebral and basilar arteries was toward the brain in animals examined in ventral recumbency and when standing. The vertebrobasilar system contributes 34% of the blood supply to the brain. The vertebrobasilar system is the exclusive supply to the medulla oblongata, pons and cerebellum.

Descriptive Analysis of Cerebral Arterial Vascular Architecture in Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The artiodactyl brain has multiple levels of vascular pooling and the rostral epidural rete mirabile (RERM) at its base. The current study is the first of its kind to precisely demonstrate the arterial vasculature of the dromedary brain, utilizing a new casting method with colored latex and epoxy paint. In total, 35 freshly slaughtered dromedary heads were injected with colored latex or colored epoxy paint prior to dissection in order to reveal cerebral vasculature; Ten processed heads were chemically digested with 5% potassium hydroxide to obtain hard casts of cerebral arteries and anastomosing structures. The outcomes of this study ascertain the distinct vascular features of dromedaries that set them apart from other artiodactyls. In addition to the RERM, the dromedary possesses a well-developed ophthalmic and chiasmatic rete. The dromedary is similar to giraffe, goat, cat and pig in the contribution of middle meningeal artery to the rete mirabile; however, dromedaries have several arteries emerging directly from the cerebral arterial circle that supply the choroid plexus and pineal gland. Additionally, dromedaries exhibit a dominant basilar system that dominates the blood supply to the medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum. In our study, we were able to graphically prove the lack of connection between the areas supplied by vertebrobasilar system and carotid system in the dromedary. Furthermore, the vertebral artery does not branch into the basilar artery; instead, it acts as a contributing vessel to the ventral spinal artery that later fuse to form the basilar artery. This study employed the new casting method to illustrate a new arterial source to RERM and the various anastomoses among arterial sources supplying the brain in the dromedary. These anastomoses play an important role in maintaining an uninterrupted cerebral blood supply, decreasing the vulnerability of the fragile brain against ischemia and stroke, as well as, play an important role in maintaining blood pressure and flow in long-necked dromedaries when they raise or lower their heads.

Systematization and Description of the Arterial Blood Supply of the Paleopallia areas in the Brain Surface of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa scrofa)

Background: The study was performed on wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) wich is a wild ancestor of the domestic pig and is not part of Brazilian fauna. The arterial blood supply of the encephalus has been studied by some researchers, who have systematized the cerebral blood supply from the rostral and caudal epidural rete mirabile and its sources in wild boar until the blood supply of the base of the brain. The objective was to improve the understanding of the arterial blood supply of the brain, particularly the paleopallium, of the wild boar and to provide a reference for comparative anatomy studies. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 30 brains were obtained from an officially authorised slaughterhouse and approved by Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Renowable Resources. The animals were desensitized, followed by bleending of the jugular veins and common carotid arteries near the entrance of the thorax, according to the slaughter procedure. Finally, the animals were decapitated at the level of axis vertebra. The cerebral arterial system of each animal was rinsed (cooled saline containing 2500 IU of heparin) and drained by the jugular veins, and vessels were filled with latex 603 stained with specific red dye. The heads were submerged for one hour in running water immersed in 20% formaldehyde for fixation; the brains were removed along with a cervical segment of the spinal cord. The duramater was removed, and the arteries were dissected. Schematic drawings of the ventral view of the all preparations were made using magnifying glasses and photographic records. The Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria was used to named the cerebral arteries and their branches, and calculation of pecentages was applied in the statistical analysis. The cerebral carotid artery originating from the rostral epidural rete mirabile emitted a rostral branch and a caudal branch on the side of the hypophysis gland. The rostral branch emitted one to three middle cerebral arteries and continued as rostral cerebral artery. The latter emitted the superficial and perforating central arteries, lateral rhinal artery, ethmoidal artery, medial branch and medial rhinal artery. Discussion: Wild boar is a macrosmatic animal, it presents well-developed areas of the paleopallium that are exclusively olfactory. Its extensive paleopallium was nourished by branches of the rostral cerebral artery and its collateral branches, including the lateral rhinal, ethmoidal, and medial branch and the medial rhinal artery. The rostral cerebral arteries and their collateral branches supplied blood to the olfactory bulb, olfactory peduncle, two-thirds of the lateral olfactory tract, medial olfactory tract, and rostral two-thirds of the olfactory trigone. The medial cerebral arteries within the lateral fossa of the brain, emitted superficial rostral central branches to the paleopallium, perforating central branches (striated) to the lateral fossa of the brain and caudal third of the olfactory trigone and caudal central branches to the piriform lobe. The rostral most two-thirds of a small medial band of the piriform lobe was vascularised by central branches originating mainly from the rostral branch of the cerebral cartotid artery. The paleopallium in the wild boar was nourished by branches of the cerebral rostral, middle and caudal arteries and by the central branches of the cerebral carotid artery. The arterial blood supply of the paleopallium in the wild boar was compared to the chinchilla, nutria, rabbit and pampas fox. Three cerebral vessels were mainly responsable for the emission of the central branches that supplied blood to the paleopallium, namely the middle, rostral, and caudal cerebral arteries. The differences or variations among these species were due to the type of cerebral blood supply in the formation of the cerebral arterial circle.Keywords : anatomy, brain, paleopallia, arteries, Artiodactila, wild boar.

The Eurasian Elk's (Alces alces) Brain Base Arteries in View of Vascular Variation.

This article presents the results of analysis of the arterial vascular region of the Eurasian elk, which is a representative of the Cervidae family. The study was conducted on 39 Eurasian elks. The head arteries of 25 animals were filled with LBS 3040 synthetic latex. The head arteries of the other 14 Eurasian elks were filled with an acetone solution of stained chlorinated polyvinyl chloride and macerated. The arterial circle of the Eurasian elk's brain is composed of bilateral rostral cerebral arteries and caudal communicating arteries. The basilar artery closes the arterial circle caudally. The rostral cerebral artery first ramifies into the rostral choroidal artery, then, the middle cerebral artery and the rostral communicating artery. The caudal cerebral artery and the rostral cerebellar artery branch off the caudal communicating artery. The arterial pattern of the Eurasian elk's brain base is similar to the arteries found in other deer. Like in other Ruminantia, the rostral epidural rete mirabile is a unique structure in the Eurasian elk's arterial system. Anat Rec, 302:339-345, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The arterial circle of the brain, its branches and connections in selected representatives of the Antilopinae.

The arterial circle of the brain, that is, the circle of Willis, and its branches in ruminants have been chiefly described in farm animals and only in selected wild species. In view of the deficit of information about this vascular region in numerous other species of the Ruminantia, the arteries of the encephalic base were analyzed in five antelope species representing different genera of the Bovidae, Antilopinae. Specimens of the following species were examined: springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii), saiga (Saiga tatarica), and oribi (Ourebia ourebi). Post-autopsy material received from domestic zoological gardens was used to inject the bilateral common carotid arteries with a stained acetone solution of vinyl superchloride. When the material was polymerized, the specimens were macerated enzymatically. The process resulted in casts of arteries of the head and encephalic base on a skeletal scaffold. The investigations revealed that the bilateral components of the arterial circle of the brain, that is, the rostral cerebral artery and caudal communicating artery, arose from the division of the intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery, which emerges from the rostral epidural rete mirabile. The extracranial segment of the internal carotid artery was obliterated. In consequence of this process, the blood reaches the brain chiefly from the maxillary artery. The research proved that the arteries of the encephalic base in the Antilopinae are most similar to the vessels described in antelopes of Tragelaphus, Taurotragus, and Boselaphus genera and small domestic ruminants. However, they are different from the arterial pattern of the encephalic base in bovines and other species classified as the Bovini.

The arteries of brain base in species of the cervid family.

The aim of the article was to describe the pattern of main arteries at the encephalon base, their connections, and varieties. This study included 106 specimens of the head and cerebral arteries of the following eight species of the cervid family: reindeer, chital, Eld's deer, wapiti, sika deer, fallow deer, Pere David's deer or milu, and Reeve's or Chinese muntjac. The arteries of the animals under study were filled with acetone-dissolved stained vinyl superchloride or stained latex LBS3060. The analysis of the specimens revealed that the vascular system of the species of the studied cervid family was similar to the system described in other ruminant species. A branch diverging from the condylar artery to the rostral epidural rete mirabile is present in all studied cervids, but it can be found also in giraffe and eland. The pattern of the arterial vascularization of the encephalon base, which we observed in our analysis, confirms the morphological similarity between those animals and the correct placement of the cervid family in species taxonomy.

Comparison of cerebral base arteries in antelopes of Tragelaphus, Taurotragus and Boselaphus genera

Studies were conducted on preparations of head arteries, including cerebral base arteries of sitatunga (n = 14), nyala n = 16) and Greater kudu n = 4) of Tragelaphus genus, Common eland n = 7) from the tribe of Tragelaphini and the largest Asiatic Nilgai antelope n = 9) from Boselaphini tribe. Blood vessels of the cerebral arterial circle in studied antelopes were found to arise from terminal division of intracranial segments of internal carotid arteries, which emerge from the pairwise rostral epidural rete mirabile. Due to obliteration of the extracranial segment of internal carotid artery, the cerebral arterial circle of studied antelopes is supplied with blood mainly through maxillary artery, with mediation of blood vessels of rostral epidural rete mirabile. The system of cerebral base arteries in selected representatives of Tragelaphus, Taurotragus and Boselaphus, in contrast to other species of Bovinae subfamily, manifests the absence of caudal epidural rete mirabile. The pattern of cerebral base arteries in studied antelopes is consistent with position of the species in taxonomy worked out by Simpson (Bull Am Mus Nat Hist 85:1–350, 1945) and McKenna and Bell (Classification of mammals above the species level. Columbia University Press, New York, pp I–XII, 1997).

The Arteries of Brain Base in Species of Bovini Tribe

ABSTRACTStudies were conducted on 78 preparations of head and brain arteries in four species of Bos genus, that is in domestic cattle (N = 59), including 22 foetuses (CRL 36.5–78.5 cm), in banteng (Bos javanicus, N = 3), yak (Bos mutus f. grunniens, N = 2), American bison (Bison bison, N = 4), and European bison (Bison bonasus, N = 10). The comparative analysis permitted to demonstrate a similar pattern of brain base arteries in the studied animals. In the studied species, blood vessels of the arterial circle of the brain were found to form by bifurcation of intracranial segments of inner carotid arteries, which protruded from the paired rostral epidural rete mirabile. In Bovidae arterial circle of the brain was supplied with blood mainly by maxillary artery through the blood vessels of the paired rostral epidural rete mirabile. The unpaired caudal epidural rete mirabile was participating in blood supply to the arterial circle of the brain from vertebral and occipital arteries. It manifested character of a taxonomic trait for species of Bos and Bison genera. Basilar artery in all the examined animals manifested a variable diameter, with preliminary portion markedly narrowed, which prevented its participation in blood supply to the arterial circle of the brain. The results and taxonomic position of the species made the authors to suggest a hypothesis that a similar arterial pattern on the brain base might be present also in other species, not included in this analysis. Anat Rec, 296:1677–1682, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Arteries of Brain Base in Species of Bovini Tribe

Studies were conducted on 78 preparations of head and brain arteries in four species of Bos genus, that is in domestic cattle (N = 59), including 22 foetuses (CRL 36.5-78.5 cm), in banteng (Bos javanicus, N = 3), yak (Bos mutus f. grunniens, N = 2), American bison (Bison bison, N = 4), and European bison (Bison bonasus, N = 10). The comparative analysis permitted to demonstrate a similar pattern of brain base arteries in the studied animals. In the studied species, blood vessels of the arterial circle of the brain were found to form by bifurcation of intracranial segments of inner carotid arteries, which protruded from the paired rostral epidural rete mirabile. In Bovidae arterial circle of the brain was supplied with blood mainly by maxillary artery through the blood vessels of the paired rostral epidural rete mirabile. The unpaired caudal epidural rete mirabile was participating in blood supply to the arterial circle of the brain from vertebral and occipital arteries. It manifested character of a taxonomic trait for species of Bos and Bison genera. Basilar artery in all the examined animals manifested a variable diameter, with preliminary portion markedly narrowed, which prevented its participation in blood supply to the arterial circle of the brain. The results and taxonomic position of the species made the authors to suggest a hypothesis that a similar arterial pattern on the brain base might be present also in other species, not included in this analysis.