Computed Tomography and Gross Anatomical Studies on the Head of One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

The vomeronasal system of the wolf (Canis lupus signatus): The singularities of a wild canid

Wolves, akin to their fellow canids, extensively employ chemical signals for various aspects of communication, including territory maintenance, reproductive synchronisation and social hierarchy signalling. Pheromone-mediated chemical communication operates unconsciously among individuals, serving as an innate sensory modality that regulates both their physiology and behaviour. Despite its crucial role in the life of the wolf, there is a lacuna in comprehensive research on the neuroanatomical and physiological underpinnings of chemical communication within this species. This study investigates the vomeronasal system (VNS) of the Iberian wolf, simultaneously probing potential alterations brought about by dog domestication. Our findings demonstrate the presence of a fully functional VNS, vital for pheromone-mediated communication, in the Iberian wolf. While macroscopic similarities between the VNS of the wolf and the domestic dog are discernible, notable microscopic differences emerge. These distinctions include the presence of neuronal clusters associated with the sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and a heightened degree of differentiation of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Immunohistochemical analyses reveal the expression of the two primary families of vomeronasal receptors (V1R and V2R) within the VNO. However, only the V1R family is expressed in the AOB. These findings not only yield profound insights into the VNS of the wolf but also hint at how domestication might have altered neural configurations that underpin species-specific behaviours. This understanding holds implications for the development of innovative strategies, such as the application of semiochemicals for wolf population management, aligning with contemporary conservation goals.

Anatomical studies on the PES region of Zebu cattle (Bos Taurus indicus) with special references to 3D computed tomography imaging technique

The 3D render volume reconstruction CT (3D-RVCT) produced detailed images of the PES region, determining its relationships with the surrounding structures. Despite extensive research in veterinary studies on the PES through gross anatomy and CT, there is a lack of studies on the PES of zebu cattle. The study aimed to analyze the PES of Zebu cattle using gross cross-sectional, radiographic, CT, and morphometric methods, with the use of 3D-RVCT to provide anatomical guidance for surgeons and students. The study was performed on sixteen PES regions to provide hard and soft tissues in CT images. Three are five tarsal bones and two large fused (III and IV) metatarsal bones that were completely fused except for their distal extremities, which were divided distally by the intertrochlear notch. The cortical thickness of the metatarsal bone was equal on both sides. The bony septum divided the medullary cavity between the two fused large metatarsal bones in the proximal distal half only and disappeared in the middle part. The reconstruction showed similar sizes in the right and left limbs, confirming the pes bones. The radiographic and CT images could be used as a normal reference for the interpretation of some clinical diseases in the PES. The 3D CT reconstruction of the pes bones was described by various CT oblique dorsal and plantar views. The study focuses on diagnosing PES disorders using CT imaging, improving medical interventions, improving Zebu cattle health outcomes, and empowering students to contribute to veterinary medicine research and advancements.

Sphenoid sinus in the Holstein cow: A sectional and 3D reconstructive anatomical study

Cattle disorders affecting the sphenoid sinus are underreported, likely due to difficulties in imaging and lacking topographic knowledge. This study aimed to provide a detailed description of the normal anatomical and morphometric features of the cattle sphenoid sinus. Twelve healthy adult Holstein cow heads were used, and the sinus was examined using CT, anatomical sectioning and 3D modelling. The sinus was bilaterally detected in all animals but exhibited structural asymmetry and significant interindividual differences in morphological characteristics. Three parts of the sinus were defined, namely the rostral, median and alar parts, which conform to the morphological structure of the sphenoid bone. The rostral part was bilateral in shape and located on the orbit wall of the presphenoid bone in all animals. The median part, which pneumatized the body of the sphenoid bone, was observed bilaterally in seven animals, while the alar part, which pneumatized the wing of the sphenoid bone, was formed bilaterally in four animals. The sinus volume and surface area were 11 ± 8 cm3 and 49 ± 30 cm2 , respectively. These findings may aid in the diagnosis of cattle sphenoid sinus disorders and contribute to the knowledge of regional anatomy for radiologists and clinicians.

Structure-function relationships in the nasal cavity of Arctic and subtropical seals

The heating and moistening of inhaled air, and the cooling and moisture removal from exhaled air, are crucial for the survival of animals under severe environmental conditions. Arctic mammals have evolved specific adaptive mechanisms to retain warmth and water and restrict heat loss during breathing. Here, the role of the porous turbinates of the nasal cavities of Arctic and subtropical seals is studied with this in mind. Mass and energy balance equations are used to compute the time-dependent temperature and water vapor profiles along the nasal passage. A quasi-1D model based on computed tomography images of seal nasal cavities is used in numerical simulations. Measured cross-sectional areas of the air channel and the perimeters of the computed tomography slices along the nasal cavities of the two seal species are used. The model includes coupled heat and vapor transfer at the air-mucus interface and heat transfer at the interfaces between the tissues and blood vessels. The model, which assumes constant blood flow to the nose, can be used to predict the temperature of the exhaled air as a function of ambient temperature. The energy dissipation (entropy production) in the nasal passages was used to measure the relative importance of structural parameters for heat and water recovery. We found that an increase in perimeter led to significant decreases in the total energy dissipation. This is explained by improved conditions for heat and water transfer with a larger complexity of turbinates. Owing to differences in their nasal cavity morphology, the Arctic seal is expected to be advantaged in these respects relative to the subtropical seal.

Topographical anatomy of the mandibular foramen in the dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius): an extraoral approach for the inferior alveolar nerve blocks

Understanding the clinical anatomy of the head is essential for performing proper inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block anesthesia to facilitate invasive dental procedures in camels. However, osteometric data related to the IAN in camels are lacking. This study was carried out to accurately locate the mandibular foramen (MF) and the course of the IAN in the camel head and to establish an approach for its localization in clinical practice. To achieve these aims, eight osteometric measurements were used to determine the location of the MF in relation to its surrounding structures in six cadaveric skulls of adult camels. Four camel heads were dissected, and the course of the IAN inside the mandibular canal was studied. In addition, four heads were used as a trial for the extraoral approach to the IAN block using contrast radiographs based on established metric indices. Dissection of the four camel heads revealed that the MF was located near the intersection of two lines passing through the occlusal surface of the mandibular cheek teeth and at the midpoint of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. Significant differences were not observed between the right and left mandibles. Successful deposition of the contrast medium near the MF was observed in all examined specimens. This study reports a new, simple approach to reaching the IAN at the MF. However, further clinical validation of the proposed technique is required.

Heart ventricles of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): new insights from sectional anatomy, 3D computed tomography, and morphometry

BACKGROUND

Dromedary camel heart morphology is a crucial research topic with clinical applications. The study aims to understand the dromedary camel anatomy, morphology, and architecture of the ventricular mass.

RESULTS

Sagittal and transverse gross sections were compared to sagittal, transverse, and 3D render volume reconstruction computed tomography (CT) scans. The subepicardial fat, which covered the heart base, the coronary groove (sulcus coronarius), the left longitudinal interventricular groove (sulcus interventricularis paraconalis), and the right longitudinal interventricular groove (sulcus interventricularis subsinuosus), had a relatively low density with a homogeneous appearance in the 3D render volume CT. The pericardium in the color cardiac window was identified better than the black and white window (ghost). Transverse and sagittal CT scans demonstrated the internal structures of the heart, including the right atrioventricular orifice (ostium atrioventriculare dextrum), right atrioventricular orifice (ostium atrioventriculare sinistrum), and aortic orifice (ostium aortae), chordae tendineae, the cusps of the valves (cuspis valvae), and the papillary muscles (musculi papillares). The papillary muscle (musculi papillares) was presented with a more moderate density than the rest of the heart, and the cusps of the valves (cuspis valvae) had a lower density. The ventricular wall (margo ventricularis) exhibited different densities: the outer part was hyperdense, while the inner part was hypodense. The thicknesses of the ventricular mural wall and the interventricular septum (septum atrioventriculare) were highest at the midpoint of the ventricular mass, and the lowest value was present toward the apical part. The coronary groove (sulcus coronarius) circumference measured 51.14 ± 0.72 cm, and the fat in the coronary groove (sulcus coronarius) (56 ± 6.55 cm2) represented 28.7% of the total cross-sectional area.

CONCLUSION

The current study provided more information about ventricular mass measurements by gross and CT analysis on the heart, which provides a valuable guide for future cardiac CT investigations in camels in vivo.

CT and cross-sectional anatomy of the paranasal sinuses in the Holstein cow

The structure of paranasal sinuses in cattle is difficult to understand due to its complexity, age-related changes, and insufficient published data. In this prospective, anatomic study, we described the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses in the Holstein cow using computed tomography (CT) and cross-sectional anatomic slices. Twelve healthy adult Holstein cow heads were used for this study. The heads were scanned using CT, and frozen anatomical sections were taken. The locations, borders, and relationships of the paranasal sinuses were defined on the anatomical sections and CT images. The paranasal sinuses on each side of the head consisted of conchal (dorsal, middle, and ventral), maxillary, lacrimal, palatine, frontal, sphenoid sinuses, and ethmoidal cells. The frontal sinus pneumatized all bones surrounding the cranial cavity, except for the ethmoidal and body of basisphenoid bones. The sphenoid and ventral conchal sinuses were the most asymmetrical, and the middle conchal sinus was the simplest. The ventral conchal sinus was detected in eleven animals, one of which was unilateral. This sinus communicated with the middle nasal meatus (13/21) and ventral nasal meatus (8/21). Findings can be used as background for interpreting CT studies of cattle with clinical signs of sinonasal region diseases. Future cross-sectional radiological and reconstructive anatomical studies and investigation of the postnatal development of related structures in cattle are needed.

Strategies of vascularization of the ethmoid labyrinth in selected even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla) and carnivores (Carnivora)

The anatomy of the nasal cavity and its structures, as well as other elements building a scaffold for olfactory organs, differs significantly among various groups of mammals. Understanding anatomical conditions of quality of olfaction are being studied worldwide and is a complex problem. Among many studies regarding bone and epithelial structures of turbinates and connected anatomical structures, few studies describe the vascularization of turbinates. Ethmoid turbinates are above all covered in olfactory epithelium containing branched axons that receive olfactory stimuli and as olfactory nerves penetrate the cribriform lamina of the ethmoid bone conveying information from smell receptors to the brain. Differences in vascularization of the cribriform plate and turbinates may add crucial information complementing studies regarding the olfactory organ's bone and soft tissue structures. In the study, we describe the vascularization of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone of 54 Artiodactyla and Carnivora.

Morphology and morphometry of the inner ear of the dromedary camel and their influence on the efficiency of hearing and equilibrium

BACKGROUND

The inner ear morphology and size are linked to hearing and balance ability. The goal of this study was to determine the morphology and morphometrics of the dromedary camel's inner ear and how it influences hearing accommodation and equilibrium in the desert environment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gross morphology, computed tomography images, and the endocast were used to show the inner ear morphology. A caliper and ImageJ software were used to take measurements on a plastic endocast.

RESULTS

The presence of the subarcuate fossa, flat cochlea, radii curvature of the semicircular canals, particularly the lateral semicircular canal, orthogonality, and the union between the semicircular canals, along with slightly increased saccule and utricle size, maintains camel balance on sandy ground, even during heavy sandstorms. The cochlear basilar membrane length and cochlea radii ratio aided low-frequency hearing and perception over a wide octave range.

CONCLUSION

The camel's cochlear characteristics revealed a lengthy basilar membrane, a high radii ratio, 3.0 cochlear canal turns, and a very broad cochlea. The orthogonality of the semicircular canals, the high curvature of the lateral semicircular canal, the presence of the subarcuate fossa, and the confluence between the lateral and posterior semicircular canal were particular specifications that allowed the inner ear of the camel to adapt to desert living.

El-Gendy S, Sian Rutland C. Anatomical Guide to the Paranasal Sinuses of Domestic Animals

Paranasal sinuses are paired cavities within the skull, which develop by evagination into the spongy bone between the external and internal plates of the cranial and facial bones. Thus, each sinus is lined by respiratory epithelium and has direct or indirect communication to the nasal cavity. The purpose of this chapter is to present an anatomical reference guide of the paranasal sinuses in domestic animals, including large and small ruminants (cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats), camels, canines (dog) and equines (horse and donkey), appropriate for use by anatomists, radiologists, clinicians, and veterinary students. Topographic descriptions and the relationships between the various air cavities and paranasal sinuses have been visualized using computed tomography and cadaver sections images. The anatomical features (including head bones, muscles, and soft tissues) have been compared using both dissected heads and skulls and computed tomography images. This chapter will therefore be useful as a normal reference guide for clinical applications.

CT anatomy of the head in the Ile de France sheep

Background

CT scan images provide accurate anatomical data from different areas of the body that can be used to diagnose diseases.

Objectives

The present work aimed to describe the normal anatomical structures of the Ile de France sheep head and its morphometric and volumetric properties using computed tomography (CT) and stereological methods.

Methods

Five adult Ile de France sheep heads, which were of mature age (above 10 months), were included in this study. The different cavities of the head, including the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, orbital cavity and vestibulocochlear system, were evaluated using CT scans, cross, sagittal and coronal sections.

Results

The mean length, height and width of the skull were 25.3 ± 1.02, 9.8 ± 0.93 and 12.3 ± 0.91 cm, respectively. The results showed that the nasal cavity is divided into three regions. Vestibular, respiratory and olfactory regions. The paranasal sinuses are composed of maxillary, frontal, palatine, sphenoid, lacrimal and ethmoidal that were identified and named in the CT scan images and their corresponding anatomical cross‐sections. The total volume of the head, nasal cavity and oral cavity was estimated to be 2998 ± 202.00, 303 ± 31.33 and 229.3 ± 10.61 cm³, respectively.

Conclusions

The frontal sinus in the Ile de France sheep was limited to the frontal bone without extending into the parietal, temporal, or occipital bones, similar to Saanen goat. This study provided a comprehensive atlas of Ile de France sheep anatomy to internal medicine veterinarians and surgeons.

Biological aspects of the nasal turbinates of the Anatolian shepherd dog captured from Egypt: Using computed tomography, histological, and scanning electron microscopic observations

The current study was designed to describe the nasal turbinates of 15 heads of Anatolian shepherd dogs using the histology and scanning electron microscope. The caudal part of the nasal cavity is almost occupied by the ethmoidal concha that is related to the high dog's smelling. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelial lining of the rostral part of dorsal and ventral concha were interdigitated with the underlying lamina propria, with numerous sebaceous and sweat glands. The pseudostratified squamous epithelium lining of the middle part of the dorsal and ventral conchae had simple seromucous glands. The caudal third of dorsal, ventral, and ethmoidal conchae covered by olfactory epithelium that had three cell types; basal, supporting, and bipolar cells with mucous glands. SEM of the vestibular region shows that the dorsal conchae had a wrinkled surface with microvilli, little olfactory buds, and small sebaceous and sweat glands openings, while the ventral conchae had a lot of filiform-like microvilli. SEM of the respiratory region shows that the dorsal conchae had a little number of seromucous glands and a rosette-shape cilia, while the ventral conchae had numerous cellular cilia that cover all surface. SEM of the fundus region shows that the dorsal conchae had numerous microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells, while the ventral conchae had numerous long microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells. SEM of the ethmoidal nasal conchae shows a dense network of long microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells. We concluded that the morphological features of the dog's nasal turbinates were correlated with their environmental condition.

Applied anatomy of the skull in the Arabian horse: A computed tomographic, cross-sectional, volumetric and morphometric study

This study was conducted to present a comprehensive and integrative computed tomography (CT) – anatomical cross sections atlas of skull, volumetric properties of the paranasal sinuses, and morphometric values for surface cranial nerves in the adult Arabian horse. Ten heads of Arabian horse breed were used. The different structures in the nasal, oral and cranial cavities were determined and labelled in the anatomical sections and their corresponding CT scan images. Three paranasal sinuses namely maxillary, conchofrontal and sphenopalatine sinuses were identified in the CT scan images. The caudal maxillary sinus was the largest paranasal sinus with 131.93 ± 7.67 cm³ volume and the sphenopalatine sinus 13.3 ± 1.2 cm³ volume was the smallest one. The infraorbital foramen was located 4.16 ± 0.18 cm and 4.70 ± 0.35 cm far away from the most rostral point of the facial crest and alveolar root, respectively. The mean distance between the mental foramen and most lateral incisive tooth was 3.12 ± 0.29 cm. These results including present CT scan‐cross‐sectional atlas, paranasal sinuses volume and morphometric properties would be applicable in practice for more precise diagnosis of head lesions and blocking the surface terminal branches of the cranial nerves during surgical operations in this valuable horse's breed.

Macroscopic anatomy, radiography and computed tomography of normal paranasal sinuses of the adult one-humped dromedary (Camelus dromedarius)

In order to improve the current knowledge of the topography and the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses of the one‐humped dromedary (Camelus dromedarius), we applied both conventional and advanced imaging techniques, namely, radiography and computed tomography (CT). Twelve heads of healthy dromedaries were used; eight heads were dissected to obtain skulls for the fenestration of the sinuses, two heads underwent anatomical sections, and two heads were imaged respectively by radiography and CT. Sinus fenestration allowed observation of sinuses and their communications. In each dissected dromedary's head, the frontal sinus is a large compartment delimited by thick partitions. The sphenoid sinus is divided into small compartments by bony plates. The lacrimal sinus occupies a small cavity in the rostro‐medial lacrimal bone of the orbit. In all dissected heads, there was neither palatal sinus nor ventral conchal sinus. Five images obtained by CT were selected with an excellent correspondence with the anatomical sections. These images allowed a good differentiation between bones and sinus cavities. The visualisation of the sinus cavities and their anatomical limits has better quality using the CT compared to the radiography. Radiographic and CT images are therefore very useful for the interpretation of clinical imaging studies of the dromedary's paranasal sinuses.

Computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy of the head in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

The aim of this study was to identify the anatomical structures in the head region of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using computed tomography. For this, three giant anteater corpses, adult and female, were used. The tomographic analysis was performed in sequential order in rostrocaudal direction. Subsequently, the heads of these animals were sectioned in cross sections of approximately 1.5 cm each. Tomographic images were compared with anatomical sections. The association between computed tomography and anatomical sections allowed the visualization of anatomical structures found in the nasal, oral, cranial, pharyngeal and ear cavities. An elongated oral cavity delimited by the elongated mandible was observed. The oral cavity was mainly occupied by a thin and elongated tongue formed mainly by the union of the sternoglossal muscles. The nasopharynx and oropharynx extended up to the neck at the level of the fifth cervical vertebra. The findings of this study suggest that the giant anteater has a head with structures morphologically adapted to its feeding habits, such as an elongated skull, tongue, styloid bones and mandible. In addition, based on the results of this study, it is possible to suggest that computed tomography is a pivotal tool for the veterinary routine of wild animals, since it allowed the identification of anatomical structures found in the head of the giant anteater.

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) nucleic acids detected in the saliva and conjunctiva of some naturally infected dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia -2019

Dromedary camels are playing essential roles in the evolution and transmission of MERS-CoV. MERS-CoV shedding in some dromedary camel secretions, particularly nasal swabs, were studied in more detail. However, the roles of viral shedding in saliva and ocular secretions are still required further detailed studies. We performed a longitudinal study on a farm of dromedary camel herd from 10th March until 7th April, 2019, in eastern Saudi Arabia. This is a closed management herd including a large number of colour-based breed animals and include animals of both sexes. We collected saliva and ocular swabs from 18% of the target animal population. Detection of the MERS-CoV-RNAs in these samples was conducted by the real-time PCR technique. We detected the viral RNAs in the saliva of and conjunctival swabs of some of the tested animals at 33%, 77% and 88% during the three-time points, respectively. Moreover, we also detected the viral RNAs in the conjunctival swabs at 11%, 22% and 33% at similar time intervals. Our results are suggesting the possibility of MERS-CoV shedding in the saliva and the ocular discharges of the infected dromedary camels. This explains, at least in part, the mechanism of transmission of MERS-CoV from animals to humans. More studies are needed for a better understanding of the transmission of MERS-CoV from animals to humans; thus, the risk of virus spread can be mitigated.

Description of normal head structures of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) by magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and cross-sectional anatomy

Aim:

This study was designed for the 1^st time to describe the normal head structures of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) using both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) as well as cross-sectional anatomy.

Materials and Methods:

Five fresh cadaver heads were collected from clinically normal camels and then subjected to T1-weighted MR and CT imaging. Afterward, these examined heads were transversely sliced to obtain seven crossing levels.

Results:

The obtained structures per each crossing level were matched with their relevant sorted images of T1-weighted MRI and CT, then identified and labeled accordingly.

Conclusion:

The data shown herein expand our knowledge of the normal head structures of the camel and could be used as a reference for ultimate diagnosis of the surgical affections of head using MRI and/or CT.

Anatomical description of the head in Ossimi Sheep: Sectional anatomy and Computed Tomographic approach

The objective of present investigation was to explore the morphology of the head in Ossimi sheep. Here, the nasal, paranasal sinuses, oral, orbital, cranial, auricular and pharyngeal cavities were examined by the computed tomography images interpreted by the anatomical sections. Also, three-dimensional CT of the head was reconstructed. The Ossimi sheep was shown to possess long, double scroll dorsal and ventral nasal conchae that occupy the nasal cavity rostrally, while its caudal part possessed five small ethmoidal triangular nasal projections, the largest one was the middle nasal concha and the others contained the ethmoidal sinus. The dorsal and middle nasal meatuses were narrow and the ventral meatus was wide and lead directly to the choanae. The nasal septum failed to reach the floor at the caudal part of the nasal cavity thus forming a single channel that continued to the nasopharynx. The vomeronasal organ extended throughout the length of the nasal cavity from the incisive duct caudal to the dental pad to the level of the 3^rd upper cheek tooth. The paranasal sinuses identified were the frontal, maxillary, lacrimal, palatine and ethmoidal sinuses. The study recorded the absence of the sphenoid sinus and small palatine sinus in sheep different from that in other ruminants. The obtained results may be useful as a basic anatomical reference for the surgeons and pathologists.

Cross-anatomical, radiographic and computed tomographic study of the stifle joint of donkeys (Equus africanus asinus)

The present investigation was conducted to provide a full anatomical description of the stifle joint of donkeys using 3D computed tomography imaging technique, in addition to the classic anatomical methods, such as radiography and cross-anatomical sectioning. The radiography and CT imaging of stifle joint were interpreted in comparison with cross-sectional anatomical sections. Volume-rendering reconstruction techniques (3D-CT) were used to describe the anatomical structure of stifle joint. The used twelve adult healthy donkeys were free from any musculoskeletal disorders. Four donkeys were used for the gross anatomical observations, four for CT and radiography and two live animals for determination the site of injections. The results of this study revealed that the complex stifle joint was formed from three joints: femorotibial, femoropatellar and proximal tibiofibular. The articular surfaces were described for each joint, and the synovial layer of the articular capsule formed three main joint sacs: femoropatellar, medial femorotibial and lateral femorotibial sacs. The ligaments of stifle joint were recorded, and meniscal ligaments included cranial and caudal ligaments of medial and lateral menisci and meniscofemoral ligament of lateral meniscus. The cruciate ligaments were also described and they included the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, while the patellar ligament included the medial, middle and lateral patellar ligaments. The arterial supply and the site of injection of the stifle joint were described. In conclusion, the 3D reconstruction CT provided well-defined baseline reference image for the stifle joint of donkeys for anatomist, radiologist, surgeons and researchers.

Anatomy of the head in the Saanen goat: a computed tomographic and cross-sectional approach

The present work aimed to investigate the anatomical structures of the Saanen goat head and its volumetric properties using computed tomography (CT) and stereological methods. Eight adult Saanen goat heads were included in this study. The different cavities and structures of the head, including nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, orbital cavity, and cranial cavity were evaluated using CT scans, cross, sagittal, and coronal sections. The volume of head cavities and structures were estimated using the Cavalieri method. The results showed that the dorsal, middle and nasal ventral concha contained the dorsal, middle and ventral conchal sinuses, respectively. The paranasal sinuses constituted maxillary, frontal, lacrimal, and ethmoidal that were recognized and named in the CT scan images and their corresponding anatomical cross sections. The palatine and sphenoidal sinuses were not seen in the Saanen goat. Total volume of the head, nasal cavity and cranial cavity was estimated to be 1958 ± 205, 825.4 ± 62.6 and 423.6 ± 48.2 cm³, respectively. The frontal sinus was the largest paranasal sinus with a volume of 281.8 ± 16.9 cm³ and the lacrimal sinus with a volume 50.2 ± 6 cm³ was the smallest one. The ventral conchal sinus with a volume of 26.6 ± 4.5 cm³ and middle conchal sinus with a volume of 13.4 ± 2.6 cm³ were largest and smallest nasal sinuses, respectively. These results may be used as a basic data to provide a reference set for volume of the examined head structures resulting in better and more precise diagnosis of any pathological volume alteration.

Surgical anatomy of the nasal and paranasal sinuses in Egyptian native sheep (Ovis aries) using computed tomography and cross sectioning

The present work aimed to describe the normal computed tomography (CT) and cross-sectional anatomy of the nasal and paranasal sinuses in sheep and to correlate these features with the relevant clinical practices. Twenty apparent healthy heads of Egyptian native breed of sheep (Baladi sheep) of both sexes were used for studying these sinuses. CT images and their closely identical cross sections of the same head were selected and serially labelled in a progression from the rostral nasal region to the caudal aspect of the head using cheek teeth as landmarks. The current investigation reported seven sinuses in sheep, including maxillary, frontal, lacrimal and sphenoidal as paranasal, as well as dorsal and middle conchal and ethmoidal as nasal with unnoticeable palatine and ventral nasal conchal sinuses. The boundaries, extension, structure and communications of these sinuses were fully described. The current study provided anatomical guidelines for surgical interference in the frontal and maxillary sinuses during trephination, dehorning and sinuscopy. Also, an acceptable anatomical explanation was reported in this study for the high incidence of maxillary sinusitis than other sinuses. CT and cross-sectional anatomy could be used as helpful database for diagnosis and clinical interference of the nasal and paranasal sinuses in sheep.

Morfologia comparada do aparelho respiratório de capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochoeris)

RESUMO: A capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochoeris), um roedor silvestre típico no continente Sul-americano, é utilizada como fonte de alimento em toda a sua região de ocorrência, sendo um importante componente na dieta de povo indígena e população rural do Brasil. O conhecimento da morfologia fornece bases para outras áreas de atuação, bem coamo, para o manejo biológico de animais silvestres. Devido à escassez na literatura de estudos anatômicos e morfológicos do aparelho respiratório da capivara, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar os órgãos deste aparelho, macro e microscopicamente, para que possamos adquirir melhor conhecimento básico e compará-lo com o de animais da mesma subordem (Histricomorfos) e com outras espécies de mamíferos. Vimos que o aparelho respiratório da capivara é formado pelas narinas, fossas nasais, cavidade nasal, seios paranasais, faringe, laringe, traqueia e pulmões. O nariz se localiza em plano nasal com as narinas dispostas lateralmente. A maior parte da cavidade nasal está ocupada pelas conchas nasais, que se apresentam como estruturas em formato de espiral, com seus respectivos meatos. A laringe está delimitada por suas cartilagens e está em comunicação com a traqueia. A traqueia é um tubo cartilaginoso flexível e membranoso, com anéis incompletos em formato de “C”, que se bifurca em sua parte terminal, formando a carina traqueal. Os pulmões apresentam-se em pares, direito (com quatro lobos) e esquerdo (com dois lobos), localizados na cavidade torácica. As árvores brônquicas são formadas pelo brônquio primário e por uma sequência intrapulmonar que inclui brônquios intrapulmonares, bronquíolos, bronquíolos terminais e bronquíolos respiratórios.

Concha Bullosa: A Shield against Allergens?

PURPOSE

Concha bullosa (CB) alters the intranasal anatomy and may influence the buffering of inhalant allergens and the inflammatory microenvironment central to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). By investigating the link between allergies and CB, we can examine this theoretical benefit, which has implications on the extent of resection in endoscopic sinus surgery.

METHODS

Forty-three adults treated between 2010 and March 2014 with chronic sinonasal symptoms were retrospectively analyzed by skin prick allergy testing, maxillofacial computed tomography scan, and Lund-Mackay score. x03C7;2 analysis and t tests were employed to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

Subjects were divided into 30 positive cases and 13 pan-negative allergy controls. No difference in CB prevalence was observed between those with positive (70%) and those with negative (69.2%) allergy tests (p = 0.93). Furthermore, no association between CB and Lund-Mackay score was identified (p = 0.69). Overall, 83.3% of CB were located in the middle turbinate, 16.7% in the superior turbinate, and 20% occurred in the middle turbinate bilaterally.

CONCLUSIONS

Although an enlarged, pneumatized turbinate could function as a physical barrier to inhalant allergens, documented allergies demonstrate no association with CB formation. Furthermore, this study finds no correlation between CB and radiographic evidence of CRS.