The cranial mesenteric artery in the porcupine (Hystrix cristata)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the arteria mesenterica cranialis and its branches in the porcupine (Hystrix cristata). Nine adult porcupines (5 males, 4 females) were each injected with a coloured latex mixture from the aortic arch for demonstration of the arteria mesenterica cranialis. The results indicated that the arteria colica dextra was anastomosed with the arteria colica media and the ramus colicus. The arteria pancreaticoduodenalis caudalis separated from the arteria mesenterica cranialis as a third branch after the arteria colica media and the arteria colica dextra. Vascularization of the jejenum was made by the jejunal arteries, which originated from the arteria mesenterica cranialis and truncus jejunalis. The arteria ileocolica was continuous with the arteria mesenterica cranialis after giving off the jejunal arteries. Vascularization of the ileum was supplied by the ramus ilealis and the ramus ilei mesenterialis. The arteria ileocolica ended by separating into the rami colici and arteria cecalis. In summary, in the present study the branches of the arteria mesenterica cranialis were studied for the first time in porcupines. The results of this study may contribute to the data in this area of science.