Bony and vascular anatomy of the normal cervical spine in the sheep.
METHODS
This study analyzed the vascular and skeletal anatomy of the sheep cervical spine. It discusses the comparative anatomy of the cervical spine of sheep and humans.


OBJECTIVE
To establish the suitability of the sheep model for studying the pathophysiology of traumatic and degenerative conditions of the cervical spine.


BACKGROUND
Many studies have attempted to evaluate the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma, hypoxia, and variations in the local environment of the spinal cord using a variety of animal models. Few of the studies identified in an extensive literature review report or comment on the validity of these models regarding anatomy.


METHODS
Techniques of macro- and micro-dissection and vascular casting with latex and methylmethacrylate were employed and the anatomy of sheep was compared with that of humans.


RESULTS
On an anatomical basis, we found the sheep to be a suitable model for studying the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma and disorders relative to humans.


CONCLUSIONS
To properly assess the effect of various pathological processes on the spinal cord, an anatomically valid model is required. This study established that the sheep is a suitable animal model for studies of this type.
Cain
C C
CC
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia.
Fraser
R D
RD
D000818:Animals; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012756:Sheep / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries