Peripheral vascularization of the dermal laminae of the equine hoof
Marais, J.
Acta Anatomica 134(1): 79-81
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5180 PMID: 2718720 Document Number: 345402
The vascular arcitecture of the dermal laminae was studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. Ultrastructurally, the laminar vasculature consisted of arterioles, capillaries, venules and veins, arranged in a sheet-like network. Through the laminae, arterioles ran parallel to the solar surface and branched at two levels to form a continuous arteriolar arcade, parallel to the hoof wall. Capillaries originating from these arcades formed hairpin loops joining the marginal vein poor prior to forming an axially situated venous network. Additional capillaries were also given off by the arterioles, forming an abaxially arranged capillary plexus.