The arterial tree in the pig hindlimb from a more comprehensive perspective: anatomical study with translational...

Although various vessel-related models using pig hindlimbs have been reported, descriptions of the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs are either rare or confusing. This cadaveric study was designed to explore and describe the anatomy of the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs and to compare with the arterial tree in human legs.

The vascular anatomy of the hindlimb of lard infused pigs (Shanghai White Pig) was investigated (n = 20). The primary parameters were as follows: the course and branches of the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs; the discrepancy in the anatomical terms of the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs between the classic veterinary books and the literature; the comparison of the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs and the arterial tree in human legs; and the addition of the arterial tree in human legs from the literature.

The internal iliac artery and external iliac artery directly originated from the abdominal aorta without forming a common trunk (the common iliac artery in humans). According to their continuation, the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs was divided into the following segments: external iliac artery, femoral artery, popliteal artery, and cranial tibial artery. The anatomical terms of the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs in the literature exhibit great discrepancies. It was also observed that the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs and the arterial tree in human legs greatly differed. Some studies have reported good additions of the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs.

This study describes the anatomic differences between the arterial tree of pig hindlimbs and the arterial tree in human legs enabling a more consistent nomenclature when using pig studies for clinical use.