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The skeleton of the thoracic limb is one of the key aspects for the understanding of the habits and movement of different mammalian species. Considering the gap about studies related to marsupial osteology, this work proposes to study the aspects inherent to the skeleton of opossums, with emphasis on the detailed anatomical description of the bones that form the thoracic limb. For this purpose, the bones of six specimens of possums of the species Didelphis albiventris were used. These small to medium sized marsupials inhabit a wide range of South America, living in several types of habitats, being commonly described as arboreal omnivores and have anthropic habits. For the execution of this study, the bone accidents perceptible in the specimens were identified by superficial palpation, which were then radiographed. The thoracic limb bones were prepared by boiling and drying in the sun. Finally, from the radiographic images and the prepared bones, a detailed description of the anatomy of the bone components of the thoracic limb of Didelphis albiventris was made, joining the previously obtained data of surface anatomy. These data were compared with data from the literature, discussing the functional significance of the osteological findings of the thoracic limb of Didelphis albiventris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe anatomical features of the forelimb skeleton of Mazama gouazoubira in order to establish morphofunctional activity. Forelimbs of four young adult specimens were used to this end. The bones were prepared by boiling and cleared in a solution of hydrogen peroxide for comparative descriptions, osteometrics measurements and digital radiographs. Compared to domestic ruminants, the scapula proved to be wide and flat, with a small acromion, reduced coracoid process and lacking of spine tuberosity. The humerus had an elongated shaft with a rounded cross-section and discrete non-articular projections. The ulna accompanied the radio to the distal epiphysis and formed a long and narrow, proximally placed interosseous space without a vascular groove. The skeleton of the hand presented the rudimentary metacarpals II and V and the welldeveloped III and IV fused metacarpals, which is a typical telemetacarpal arrangement of close phylogenetically deer species from the New World. There were four fingers, each one with three phalanges; two main (III and IV) touching the ground and two rudimentary (II and V). Radiographs allowed visualizing patterns of normal trabecular tensions and osteometrics enabled to establish ratios for comparative purposes. Adaptations of skeletal forelimb to favor cursorial saltatory locomotion were typically identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We dissected the heart of white rhino in order to give an anatomical description of the distribution of coronary arteries. We recorded the length and caliber of the main branches. The coronary arteries were the same caliber at its origin and the right coronary artery emitted subsinusal interventricular branch, rhinoceros corresponded to the pattern of the right coronary artery. The left coronary artery is released into the left breast of the aorta was divided into three branches (trifurcation) paraconal interventricular branch, circumflex branch and diagonal branch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was provide a description of the macroscopic heart anatomy of the kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus. The terms of the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria were employed. Heart did not have interventricular sulcus. Auricles were located in both faces of the heart. Right ventricle had slight septomarginal trabecula that extended between papilar muscles and the parietal wall. Right ventricle parietal wall had plenty of trabecula carneae. Septal wall was smooth and had three papilar muscles. Papilar muscles of left ventricle were two and they were located over parietal wall. Septal walls and parietal of left ventricle were full of trabecula carneae that surrounded papilar muscles. Two vessels derived from the aorta, right and left sinus coronary arteries and a septal artery. Septal artery gave irrigation to interventricular septum and derived from left sinus of the aorta and their lumen had a higher diameter than the left coronary artery. Coronary arteries had intra myocardic route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]