Gross and histologic study of the rostral epidural rete mirabile and the cavernous sinus in one-humped camels
Zguigal, H.; Ghoshal, N.G.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 52(7): 1173-1177
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 1892276 Document Number: 385140
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.