The anatomy and perfusion of the renal portal system in the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

The anatomy of the renal portal system of the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is described, based on dissection of six double latex-injected specimens (three males, three females). The anatomy of these vessels, which had not previously been described in this species, was found not to differ significantly from the fundamental chelonian pattern. Fluoroscopic radioangiography revealed that venous blood returning from the hindlimbs flowed predominantly to the liver and bypassed the kidneys. Blood from the tail either flowed to the kidneys or bypassed them and flowed directly to the liver. A putative valve is described that governs venous blood flow from the caudal body to or around the kidneys.