Correlation of computed tomographic images with anatomic features of the abdomen of ringed seals (Phoca hispida)

To correlate anatomic features of the abdomen of the ringed seal (Phoca hispida) identified in plastinated cross-sections with images obtained via computed tomography (CT) and thereby establish reference standards for normal abdominal organ size and position in this species.

2 adult male ringed seal cadavers.

With the seal in sternal recumbency, CT images of the abdomen were acquired by use of a 4th-generation CT scanner. Image slice thickness was 1 cm, with no interslice gap. After imaging, the abdominal region was sectioned transversely into 4-cm slices, which were plastinated and photographed. Plastinated slices were matched to their corresponding CT images in preparation for anatomic descriptions.

Relevant anatomic features were identified and labeled on both the plastinated tissue slice and corresponding CT image. Normal abdominal organ size and position were assessed, and topographic relationships among organs were ascertained.

The data obtained provide some reference standards for normal abdominal organ size and position in ringed seals. This information may aid researchers of future physiologic and clinical studies in this species.