ARTERIES OF THE THORACIC LOBES OF THYMUS IN CAMBOROUGH 22 SWINE FETUSES

Abstract

This study aimed at describing the particular morphological aspects of the arteries responsible for blood supply of thymus in Camborough 22 swine fetuses. In order to do so, the origin and distribution of the arteries which vascularize the right and left thoracic lobes of thymus, 30 Camborough 22 swine fetuses, being 15 males and 15 females, were studied. The animals had the arterial system filled with aqueous solution at 50% stained Neoprene Latex, through the descending portion of thoracic aorta, and then it was fixed at 10% formaldehyde aqueous solution. The thoracic lobes of thymus were vascularized by direct branches of the right (40%) and left (30%) internal thoracic arteries, and left superficial cervical (3.33%). Bicarotid trunk (3.33%) contributed with direct branches to de left thoracic lobe of thymus. The left (50%) and right (66.67%) internal thoracic arteries, right (6.67%) and left (6.67%) subclavian, right deep cervical (3.33%) and left dorsal scapular (3.33%) provided indirect branches for the correspondent thoracic lobes of the thymus in each side. The brachiocephalic (13.33%) and the bicarotid (6.67%) trunks destined indirect branches to the thoracic lobe of thymus at the same side. There were no significant differences in relation to the origin of the arteries, the kinds of branches and sex of the festuses regarding the side of thymus lobe which was vascularized.

KEYWORDS: arteries; blood vessels; lymphoid organs; morphology; thymus.