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Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum
Published on: March 19, 2017
Morphology of septomarginal trabeculae in Hatay mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella)
Baran Erdem1, Tolga Tutar2, Lutfi Takci3
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey.
Insights
This study details the anatomical and histological differences of septomarginal trabeculae in the Hatay mountain gazelle heart. The right septomarginal trabeculae are fleshy and unbranched, while left ones are filamentous and branched.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Anatomy
- Cardiovascular Histology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Septomarginal trabeculae are muscular ridges in the ventricles of the heart.
- Understanding their morphology is crucial for comprehending cardiac function and evolution.
- Limited data exists on these structures in wild ungulates like the Hatay mountain gazelle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the anatomical and histological characteristics of the left and right septomarginal trabeculae in the Hatay mountain gazelle.
- To compare the morphology, number, dimensions, and histological composition of these trabeculae between the ventricles.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical examination and morphometric analysis of four adult Hatay mountain gazelle hearts (2 male, 2 female).
- Histological preparation using Crossman's modified triple staining technique.
- Microscopic examination under light microscopy.
Main Results:
- Right ventricle: 1 unbranched, fleshy septomarginal trabecula (12-17 mm length, 3-4 mm thickness) with myocardial fibers, blood vessels, and capillaries.
- Left ventricle: 2-3 filamentous, branched septomarginal trabeculae (6-15 mm length, 0.5-1 mm thickness) with connective tissue, Purkinje fibers, and fewer capillaries.
- Histology revealed distinct differences in tissue composition and vascularization between right and left trabeculae.
Conclusions:
- Significant anatomical and histological distinctions exist between left and right septomarginal trabeculae in the Hatay mountain gazelle.
- These differences suggest specialized roles or developmental origins for trabeculae in each ventricle.
- This study provides foundational data for future research on gazelle cardiac physiology and evolutionary morphology.
Abstract:
This study was conducted to reveal the anatomical and histological features of left and right septomarginal trabeculae in the heart of the Hatay mountain gazelle. In the study, two female and two male adult Hatay mountain gazelle hearts were used. For this purpose, the materials detected in 10% formaldehyde solution were stained with Crossman's modified triple staining technique and examined under a light microscope after anatomical examinations and measurements were made. The presence of trabeculae in both ventricles was demonstrated. While the number of septomarginal trabeculae was 1 in each of the samples in the right ventricle, it was determined that it was 2 in each of three hearts and 3 in one heart in the left ventricle. It was observed that the right trabeculae were unbranched and fleshy, while the left trabeculae were filamentous and mostly branched. The lengths and thicknesses of the right trabeculae were measured 12-17 mm and 3-4 mm and the lengths and thicknesses of the left trabeculae were measured 6-15 mm and 0.5-1 mm. In the histological examination of both trabeculae, connective tissue, Purkinje fibres and blood vessels were observed, in addition, it was detected that the right trabeculae had myocardial fibres. Few capillaries were found in the left trabecula, while both more capillaries and blood vessels were found in the right trabeculae.

