Arterial architecture of the goat spleen (Capra hircus) revealed by corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

The spleen is an essential organ involved in hematopoietic and immune functions. A comprehensive understanding of its anatomy, including vascular topography and segmentation, is essential for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of splenic diseases, and the minimization of complications during surgical procedures. Detailed knowledge of the vascular architecture also supports the accurate prediction and management of hemorrhage severity in cases of splenic rupture. The spleen's microvascular system has a unique and complex organization that is distinct from other organs, and its elucidation is critical for understanding splenic function. In the present study, the spleens of 20 hair goats were examined. After macroscopic measurements, 10 spleens were fixed in 10% formalin for histological analysis, stained using Crossmon's modified trichrome technique, and evaluated under a light microscope. The vascular structures of the remaining spleens were visualized using the corrosion casting technique, and the resulting casts were coated and imaged via scanning electron microscopy. In 80% of the spleens, the splenic artery entered the hilum and divided into dorsal and ventral branches before distributing throughout the splenic parenchyma. In the remaining 20% of the spleens, irregular, non-segmented branching was observed. The ventral artery was generally thicker and supplied the spleen primarily through its trabecular branch arteries, providing the main source of nourishment to the parietal surface. The trabecular arteries within the parenchyma gave rise to the central arteries from which arteriolae penicillaris originated. Arterial circulation ended at the point at which the arteriolae penicillaris branched into conical or bulbous endings, and distinct traces of vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial nuclei were identified on the vascular surfaces. This is the first study to detail the arterial architecture of the goat spleen through a corrosion casting approach combined with an electron microscopic examination, offering valuable insights to anatomical veterinary literature.