Computed Tomographic Anatomy and Topography of the Lower Respiratory System of the Mature Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Among various mammals, the laboratory rat is widely used for experimental purposes and belongs to the order Rodents, the family Muridae, and the genus Rattus. The absence of a thorough study of the topography and CT anatomy of the thoracic structures necessitates such a study. This study aims to accurately describe the topography of the lungs, trachea, and heart in rats based on CT scan findings compared with the anatomical findings in this animal. CT scan images were prepared from ۱۰ adult male rats at a distance of ۱ mm using a Siemens Somatom Spirit CT Scanner, followed by anatomical studies. Morphometric factors were measured on CT scan images, and then samples were studied anatomically by autopsy. The thorax, lungs, heart, and intrathoracic trachea, as well as the locations of organs, were carefully examined in anatomical studies, and detailed descriptions were obtained from CT scan images and autopsy observations. The tracheal bifurcation was fixed in the fourth and fifth ribs of all samples. The right lung was larger and more voluminous than the left one. The heart was tilted to the left, and the right bronchus was shorter than the left one. According to the obtained results, the right lung was more voluminous than the left one in R. norvegicus, which was confirmed by accurate measurements. It was also longer than the left lung but with the same width and height. It should be noted that the use of CT scans allows the anatomical examination of body structures when being alive and active, and this can be very effective practically. In general, the lungs continue from the second rib to the last rib, but the right lung occupies a little more space from the front and the dorsal. Regarding the lobulation of the lungs, the left lung has one lobe and the right lung has four lobes. It should be noted that the use of CT scans allows the anatomical examination of body structures when being alive and active, and this can be very effective practically.

کلیدواژه ها:

Anatomy ، Lung ، Trachea ، CT scan ، laboratory rat