ACTA VETERINARIA ET ZOOTECHNICA SINICA ›› 2017, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (8): 1452-1458.doi: 10.11843/j.issn.0366-6964.2017.08.009

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The Anatomical Characteristics of Ovarian Artery and Its Branches in Sheep

WANG Xin-rong*, YANG Ya-nan, LIANG Xi, YE Xiu-tian   

  1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
  • Received:2017-02-20 Online:2017-08-23 Published:2017-08-23

Abstract:

To obtain three-dimensional model of sheep's ovarian artery, analyze its characteristics of morphology, distribution and relevant functions, which would provide reference for studies of reproductive physiology and ovarian anatomy in sheep. Uteruses and ovaries from 20 Tibetan sheep were collected, and their vessels' perfusion in ovarian arteries were performed with 8% ABS to obtain vascular casts, and then the anatomical characteristics were determined by investigating and analyzing casts. Results showed that sheep ovarian artery containing ovarian, uterine and fallopian tube branches and the slender branches supplied blood to mesenteries. Ovarian spiral arteries had 3 different shapes including intensive, ordinary and slight coiling and there was occasionally an additional spiral branch to adhere arterial trunk. Furthermore, ovarian artery showed a shape of spiral fist with intensive coiling at the ovarian hilum, and then the fist arises arterioles toward follicles or corpus luteums. Results indicated that sheep ovarian artery was similar to that of cattle, and anatomical characteristics with the intricate spirals and coiling in ovarian arterial configuration might lower blood pressure, maintain the stability of blood supply to ovaries and promote the maturation of dominant follicles.

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