Gross Morphological and Osteometrical Evaluation of the Lumbosacral Ve r t ebrae and Pe lvi c Bone s of New Zea Land Rabbi t (OryctolagusCuniculus) and their Clinical Applications
This study examined gross morphology and osteometry of vertebrae [lumbar (L), sacrum (S) and coccygeal (C)] and pelvic bones of male New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolaguscuniculus) and their clinical relevance. Ten healthy male rabbits weighing between 2.8-3.2kgwere used. The animals were sacrificed and their bones processed using standard methods. Gross morphological features of the vertebrae and pelvic bones were described and standard osteometric variables of lumbar, sacrum and coccygeal vertebrae and pelvic bone also determined. Results showed the lumbar vertebrae to be seven, with spinous and transverse processes that decreased in craniocaudal manner. The sacrum was fused, with the first three cranial sets bearing conspicuous spinous process oriented in different directions. The pelvic bone was rectangular consisting of ilium, ischium and paired pubic bones united by a symphyseal joint. The coccygeal bones numbered up to sixteen. Remarkable osteometric findings include: significantly decrease (p
Key Words: gross morphology, osteometry, lumbosacral, pelvic bone, Oryctolaguscuniculus