The Vascularization of the Vertebral Column of Rats

Authors

M. A. Konerding, University of Essen
M. Blank, University of Essen

Abstract

The intrinsic and extrinsic blood supplies of the vertebral column of rats have been examined by corrosion cast with Mercox CL2B(R). The close functional and topographic relationship of vessels to supplied structures were exposed by fractionated maceration of the soft tissues. The segmental arteries diverge into an anterior, median and posterior group with various anastomoses between their branches. Vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs are preferably supplied by branches of the anterior and median section. The vessels reaching the vertebral body from the dorsal side diverge in a treelike branching mode into the direction of the vertebral endplate. The venous drainage Lakes place by the segment-overlapping internal and external vertebral venous plexuses. Blood flow regulating sphincters can be identified within all parts of the arterial and venous system. This fact seems to be of great importance regarding pathophysiological processes of degeneration and likewise regeneration even of the intervertebral discs.

Recommended Citation

Konerding, M. A. and Blank, M. (1987) "The Vascularization of the Vertebral Column of Rats," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 1: No. 4, Article 23.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol1/iss4/23