The segmental morphometric properties of the horse cervical spinal cord: a study of cadaver.
- Journal Article
Summary
The research article is about an investigation into the specific morphometric properties of the cervical spinal cord (CSC) in horses. The study sought to gather new insights on the relationships between these properties, and how this information can be useful for animal health.
Objective of the Study
The main aim of the study was to gain more detailed knowledge about the morphometric features of the horse’s cervical spinal cord, due particular importance it carries in central nervous system diseases. The findings from this research could provide significant insights for veterinary pathologists and clinicians.
- The cervical spinal cord was obtained from five mature horses after their death.
- Several properties such as length, weight, diameter, and volume of the segmented CSC were examined in detail.
Methodology
Certain experimental techniques were used during the study:
- The measurements of lengths and diameters of the CSC segments were conducted using histology, a study of the microscopic structure of tissues.
- The area and volume measurements of the parts of the cord were done using stereological methods, a set of mathematical techniques used for three-dimensional interpretation of two-dimensional data.
Results of the Study
Several significant findings emerged from the research:
- The observed length, weight, and volume of the cervical spinal cord were found to be 61.6±3.2 cm, 107.2±10.4 g, and 95.5±8.3 cm3 respectively.
- The length of the segments was discovered to increase from the first to the third cervical vertebrae (C1 to C3), and decrease from the third to the eighth (C3 to C8).
- The largest cross-section areas for the gross section (GS), white matter (WM), grey matter (GM), dorsal horn (DH), and ventral horn (VH) were all found at the eight cervical vertebrae (C8).
- The highest volume was discovered for total segment and white matter at the fourth cervical vertebrae (C4), grey matter, dorsal horn, and ventral horn at the seventh (C7), and the central canal (CC) at the third (C3).
Significance of the Study
The research provides valuable insights to the CSC’s normal anatomy and can serve as a useful reference for veterinary pathologists and clinicians dealing with equine neurology. The results might help in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the central nervous system in horses. These findings also extend the limited existing data about the morphometry of the horse’s cervical spinal cord.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, Selcuklu, 42075 Konya, Turkey.
MeSH Terms
- Anatomy, Cross-Sectional
- Animals
- Brain / anatomy & histology
- Cervical Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Microscopy
- Organ Size
- Reproducibility of Results
- Spinal Cord / anatomy & histology
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Kondo T, Sato F, Tsuzuki N, Yamada K. Sex differences in cervical spinal cord and spinal canal development in Thoroughbred horses.. J Vet Med Sci 2022 Sep 21;84(10):1363-1367.