RESUMO
Objective:To study the neural and vascular distribution in the triceps surae of rabbits for reconstructing the muscles of motor function.Methods: Triceps surae on one side was stained with the standard method of Sihler’s nerve staining, and the blood vessels on the other side were injected with a mixture of 30% barium sulfate and gelatin, and then they were X-photographed. The resulting pictures were compared to study the intramuscular nerve and blood vessel distribution. Results: Tricep surae on the first side became transparent or semi-transparent, and its shape kept intact after being stained. The intramuscular nerve branches were clearly visualized after being stained. The muscle was divided into 3 neuromuscular compartments and Lateral gastrocnemius (LG) was subdivided into 3 subunits. The intramuscular vascular configuration on the other side was also clear on soft X-ray films. The distribution maps of the nerves and blood vessels were grossly consistent.Conclusion: Sihler’s nerve staining is able to show the original 3-dimensional picture of the intramuscular nerve branches in the triceps surae of rabbits and can be used to observe the relation between the blood vessels and nerves in the muscle in combination with intramuscular angiography. According to the neurovascular distribution, tricep surae of rabbits can be divided into different subunits (compartments) as independent function units. The design and application of the subunit as a compartment can meet the need of muscular function after transplantation.
