Morphological description of the alimentary canal and adnexal glands in Amazilia tzacatl, Amazilia saucerottei, Amazilia amabilis and Anthrachotorax nigricollis species.

The hummingbird family (Trochilidae) includes the smallest and most metabolically active vertebrates. They have a high energy demand because of their extraordinarily high metabolic rates during hovering while looking for food. The morphology of the digestive apparatus is related to the feeding habits of the species.

Lumbar vertebral pattern variation in the common opossum ( Linnaeus, 1758): implication on lumbar nerve distribution.

The lumbar nerve distribution can differ depending on vertebral count variations among individuals of the same species. The variation in the lumbar vertebra formula and the lumbar nerve distribution in twenty adult common opossums (eight female and twelve males) was studied. Radiographs were taken to confirm vertebral identification and count.

Description of the arterial supply and venous drainage of the abdominal viscera in the puma (Puma concolor) (Linnaeus, 1771).

Detailed descriptions of the abdominal vasculature have not been reported on Puma concolor; thus, herein we provided a thorough description. Our findings include the following: a celiac artery branching into the hepatic and gastrolienal arteries, and this latter further branched into the left gastric, the left gastroepiploic, the lienal and three more arteries that supplied the greater omentum. We also found a cystic artery that derived from the right gastroduodenal artery; a right gastric artery that derived from the right hepatic artery; and an antimesenteric ileal artery that derived from the lateral cecal artery.

Anatomical description of the origin and distribution of the brachial plexus to the antebrachium in one puma (Puma concolor) (Linnaeus, 1771).

The knowledge of the anatomy of the brachial plexus in animals is of great importance due to its applicability in clinical, diagnostic and surgical procedures. The objective of the present study was to describe the anatomy of the brachial plexus in the puma. The results demonstrate a broad anatomical similarity with other felines; however, some differences were found.

Anatomical description of the origin and distribution of the lumbosacral plexus in one puma (Puma concolor).

Wild felids often suffer spinal and limb disorders; however, their nervous system anatomy is poorly studied. Herein, the lumbosacral plexus (Plexus lumbosacralis) of an adult puma and the motor and sensitive innervation of the pelvic limb is described. We found anatomical similarities to other felids, but also some differences.

Body Painting of the Horse and Cow to Learn Surface Anatomy.

Gross anatomy is considered one of the most challenging subjects in teaching veterinary medicine. The use of body painting is reported in teaching surface human anatomy, but such reports are scarce in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to describe a practical session for teaching surface anatomy using body painting with second-semester students of veterinary medicine.