Macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich (Struthio camelus). 2007

M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, Pretoria, South Africa.

The macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich was studied in 16 pre-pubertal and eight sexually mature and active birds. The left and right cranial renal arteries arise from the aorta, between the cranial divisions of the kidneys. These vessels supply the cranial divisions of the kidneys, the testes, the epididymides and the cranial segments of the ducti deferentia. Accessory testicular arteries which arise directly from the aorta are present in 45.8% of the specimens. They supply the testes and cranial parts of the ducti deferentia. They are variable in number and origin, and four variants are identified. A cranial ureterodeferential branch originates from the cranial renal artery, supplies the cranial portion of the ductus deferens and ureter, and runs caudally to anastomose with the middle renal artery. The sciatic artery arises laterally from the aorta, just caudal to the acetabulum, and gives rise, ventrally, to a common trunk, the common renal artery, which divides into the middle and caudal renal arteries. The middle renal artery gives rise to the middle ureterodeferential branch which supplies the middle part of the ductus deferens and ureter. A few centimetres caudal to the kidney, the aorta terminates in three branches, namely, the left and right internal iliac arteries and the median caudal artery. The internal iliac artery divides into the lateral caudal artery and the pudendal artery; the latter gives off caudal ureterodeferential branches that supply the caudal segments of the ductus deferens and ureter. In addition, the pudendal artery gives off vessels that supply the cloaca, some of which continue to the base of the phallus, where they form an arterial network. In conclusion, the pattern of the blood supply to the reproductive organs of the male ostrich is, in general, similar to that of the domestic fowl and pigeon, although there are a few highlighted distinctive features.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D012039 Regional Blood Flow The flow of BLOOD through or around an organ or region of the body. Blood Flow, Regional,Blood Flows, Regional,Flow, Regional Blood,Flows, Regional Blood,Regional Blood Flows
D004822 Epididymis The convoluted cordlike structure attached to the posterior of the TESTIS. Epididymis consists of the head (caput), the body (corpus), and the tail (cauda). A network of ducts leaving the testis joins into a common epididymal tubule proper which provides the transport, storage, and maturation of SPERMATOZOA.
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001158 Arteries The vessels carrying blood away from the heart. Artery
D012741 Sexual Maturation Achievement of full sexual capacity in animals and in humans. Sex Maturation,Maturation, Sex,Maturation, Sexual
D013737 Testis The male gonad containing two functional parts: the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES for the production and transport of male germ cells (SPERMATOGENESIS) and the interstitial compartment containing LEYDIG CELLS that produce ANDROGENS. Testicles,Testes,Testicle
D014649 Vas Deferens The excretory duct of the testes that carries SPERMATOZOA. It rises from the SCROTUM and joins the SEMINAL VESICLES to form the ejaculatory duct. Ductus Deferens,Deferens, Ductus,Deferens, Vas
D020310 Struthioniformes An order of flightless birds comprising the ostriches, which naturally inhabit open, low rainfall areas of Africa. Ostriches

Related Publications

M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
December 2020, Morphologie : bulletin de l'Association des anatomistes,
M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
September 1996, The Onderstepoort journal of veterinary research,
M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
August 2010, Anatomia, histologia, embryologia,
M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
December 2003, Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene,
M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
May 2004, The Veterinary record,
M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
December 2003, Anatomy and embryology,
M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
June 2008, Tropical animal health and production,
M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
May 2021, Sleep,
M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
June 2004, The Veterinary record,
M Z J Elias, and T A Aire, and J T Soley
January 2021, Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene,
Copied contents to your clipboard!