Gross anatomy of the heart of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos, Linnaeus 1758).

The available information about anatomical characteristics of the cardiovascular system of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos, Linnaeus 1758) is scarce. The general objective of this work was to describe its heart anatomy. We dissected six adult animals and five neonates. The heart of the alpaca was located in the middle mediastinum, with a craniocaudal extension from the third to the sixth rib. No ligament that connected the fibrous pericardium to the sternum or to the diaphragm was detected. In the right atrium, there was a developed crista terminalis and small pectinate muscles. In the right ventricle, the septomarginal trabecula was very large. From the proximities of the interventricular septum arose small septomarginal trabeculae that ended in carnous trabeculae of the septal wall. The left atrium included little developed pectinate muscles. On the left ventricle, both papillary muscles were bilobed. Two left septomarginal trabeculas were detected in this ventricle. The left subclavian artery was originated from the aortic arch separately from the brachiocephalic trunk, and bicarotid trunk was present. The other branches of the subclavian artery were similar to the domestic ruminants. The arterial supply of the heart was of the right type. In conclusion, the heart anatomy of alpaca and the irrigation of thoracic cavity were more similar to those of old world camels and different from domestic ruminants.

[Corrosion anatomical and scanning electron microscopic studies of the blood vessels in the digital end organ of the hindlimb of cattle]. / Korrosionsanatomische und rasterelektronenoptische Untersuchungen an den Blutgefässen des Zehenendorganes der Beckengliedmasse des Rindes.

By aid of modern corrosion anatomical methods the afferent and efferent blood vessels as well as the microvasculature of the corium of the pelvic limb digit were investigated. The longest papillae are to be found in the perioptic corium. In the coronary corium the length decreases from proximal to distal. In the caudal section of the digital cushion the papillae show a typical, regular wavy form, whorl formation is rare.

[Scanning electron microscopic studies of the kidney glomerulus of Pudu pudu (Molina, 1782), and a comparison with that of cattle, goats, sheep and angora rabbits]. / Rasterelektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an den Nierenglomerula von Pudu pudu (Molina, 1782), zudem ein Vergleich mit denen des Rindes, der Ziege, des Schafes und des Angorakaninchens.

The kidney's microvascularization of the Pudu pudu is mostly similar to that of domestic animals. The renal parenchymatous arteries do not give off capsular branches. The majority of the Pudu pudu's glomerula shows spherical shape. Glomerula next to the medulla have a diameter which is an average of 25 microns larger than the diameter of those situated more peripherally. Their volume is comparable to that of the angora rabbit. The capillaries form anastomosis in the inner and outer part of the glomerulus.