The rabbit brachial plexus as an experimental model--anatomy and surgical approach.

ABSTRACT

The aim of our study was to analyze the anatomy and surgical approach of the rabbit brachial plexus. The research included 18 rabbits. The rabbit seems to be a good experimental model for spinal nerves injury, especially for the C5 and C6 segments. The anatomical structure of the rabbit's brachial plexus is similar to the human brachial plexus. The structure of the rabbit C5 and C6 segments is analogous to the human structure. The spinal nerves of the C5 and C6 segments in the rabbit are wide and long enough for microsurgical procedures.