Gross and histologic study of the rostral epidural rete mirabile and the cavernous sinus in one-humped camels

Am J Vet Res. 1991 Jul;52(7):1173-7.

Abstract

Gross and histologic features of the rostral epidural rete mirabile (carotid rete) and the cavernous sinus in one-humped camels were studied. It was evident that the branches of the carotid rete share a common tunica adventitia with the veins of the cavernous sinus. Transmission electron microscopy of the rostral epidural rete mirabile and the cavernous sinus revealed gap junctions in endothelial cells lining the walls of the arterial rete branches and veins. The internal elastic lamina of rete branches were fenestrated. Some of these structural features could facilitate countercurrent heat exchange between the rete branches and the venous plexus of the cavernous sinus to regulate brain temperature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arteries / anatomy & histology
  • Arteries / ultrastructure
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Camelus / anatomy & histology*
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / anatomy & histology
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / ultrastructure
  • Cavernous Sinus / anatomy & histology*
  • Cavernous Sinus / ultrastructure
  • Maxillary Artery / anatomy & histology
  • Maxillary Artery / ultrastructure
  • Meningeal Arteries / anatomy & histology
  • Meningeal Arteries / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Ophthalmic Artery / anatomy & histology
  • Ophthalmic Artery / ultrastructure