Anatomy of structures associated with the lower respiratory tract of the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

RESUMO

The present study documents the macroscopic anatomy of structures associated with the lower respiratory tract of the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Vascularization of lung parenchyma is via the bronchoesophageal artery which originates from the right fourth dorsal intercostal artery. The right and left pulmonary arteries divide into pulmonary lobar arteries which are located dorsal to the lobar bronchi and deliver blood to the lungs. Pulmonary lobar veins are located ventral to the lobar bronchi and return blood from the lungs to the heart. Cranial deep cervical, cranial mediastinal and tracheobronchial lymph nodes are located along the trachea and at he tracheal bifurcation. Sympathetic fibers leave the sympathetic trunks as thoracic splanchnic nerves to reach the lungs. Parasympathetic innervation to the lungs originates from branches of the vagus nerves.