THE ARTERIAL SYSTEM OF THE WOOD MOUSE, APODEMUS-SYLVATICUS - THE PELVIC REGION

In this paper we describe the origin, arrangement and variations of the major pelvic arterial trunks in the wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus. Seventy-six specimens have been analyzed by injection of coloured latex solution through the left ventricle of the heart and subsequent dissection of the pelvic region. Measurements of the origin of the major arterial trunks have been performed taking into account the number of anterior and posterior branches arising from its origin. Only the values of the internal iliac artery and the pudendoepigastric trunk show significant differences according to the number of previous branches. In general terms, the pattern of the pelvic arteries in the wood mouse agrees with those reported to for other rodent species. Nevertheless, some differences have been detected, especially in the origin of the major arterial trunks and the constitution of the internal iliac artery.