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.

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