Mesoscopic structures of the equine toe demonstrated by using thin slice plastination (E12)

Transparent plastinated slices (E12 technique) are an invaluable illustrative material and learning aid for veterinary students and allow a better and more accurate understanding of complex anatomical structures of the equine digit. In addition they provide helpful information to diagnostic imaging modalities like CT and MRI. Other advantages of using sheet plastinates are their resistance, odor-less and their almost unlimited durability. By using this method we can demonstrate the mesoscopic structures of the equine toe, which have an important clinical impact. Transparent body slices are used for research purposes because they allow the study of body structures in a non-collapsed and non-dislocated state. Bone and its fine architecture but also joint structures such as synovial cavities and their synovial folds and cartilage and its layer composition can be identified. In addition the thickness of articular cartilage, tendons and ligaments can be measured allowing conclusions on their functional aspects. Injected blood vessels display the fiber pattern of the suspensory apparatus of the coffin bone. Even fine structures of the dermis and the epidermis can be demonstrated by using this technique.