Related Experiment Videos
Bony and vascular anatomy of the normal cervical spine in the sheep
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia.
Study Design:
This study analyzed the vascular and skeletal anatomy of the sheep cervical spine. It discusses the comparative anatomy of the cervical spine of sheep and humans.
Objectives:
To establish the suitability of the sheep model for studying the pathophysiology of traumatic and degenerative conditions of the cervical spine.
Summary Of Background Data:
Many studies have attempted to evaluate the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma, hypoxia, and variations in the local environment of the spinal cord using a variety of animal models. Few of the studies identified in an extensive literature review report or comment on the validity of these models regarding anatomy.
Methods:
Techniques of macro- and micro-dissection and vascular casting with latex and methylmethacrylate were employed and the anatomy of sheep was compared with that of humans.
Results:
On an anatomical basis, we found the sheep to be a suitable model for studying the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma and disorders relative to humans.
Conclusions:
To properly assess the effect of various pathological processes on the spinal cord, an anatomically valid model is required. This study established that the sheep is a suitable animal model for studies of this type.