A artéria celíaca em Didelphis albiventris (gambá) / The celiac artery in Didelphis albiventris (opossum)

ABSTRACT

This member of the Didelphidea family, commonly known as opossum, is widely distributed in the American territory, with species found from southern Canada up to northern Argentina. Similarly to all marsupials, they are characterized by a short gestational period, followed by a long development period. Opossums are arboreal, terrestrial slow animals of lonely and nocturnal habits. They are omnivore animals, eating from small rodents, birds, eggs and amphibians to fruits and vegetables. These general characteristics have drawn in the interest and curiosity of the scientific community to this animal, which is now the object of study in several knowledge areas. In order to find morphological information that could assist in discussions from a functional point of view and that could offer support for measures that aim at protecting opossums in their natural environment, the objective of the present study is to divulge the anatomical behavior of their celiac artery and its branches, including its distribution areas, considering the importance of these vessels in the blood supply of several digestive organs.