Contemporary Staining of Arterial System with Cadaver Fixation: An Experimental Study

Abstract

SUMMARY:Although many methods are investigated, cadavers have unique role for education of gross anatomy. This study was performed to make cadaveric based gross anatomy more enjoyable and decrease the time needed for achievement of arterial system for teachers and learners. The adult rabbits in control (n=3) and experimental groups (n=9) sacrificed following deep anesthesia. The samples were fixed by injection of fixative solution to the left ventricle and the corps dropped to the traditional fixative liquid for at least 1 month. The injected fixative solution of experimental group contained stained human red blood cells. The red blood cells stained by eosin (0.25% in saline) for 30 minutes and injected between two injections of fixative. After passing the period of fixation, the samples were dissected and arterial system in the Neck, Trunk and extremities were recognized. The degree of staining of the arteries categorized as low, medium and high. The data of staining of arteries were analyzed by chi square using SPSS 16.0 for Windows XP (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). P value< 0.05 was considered significant. In almost all of the experimental samples, axillary and femoral arteries were stained (P= 0.005). The arteries of the neck (carotids), the wall of thorax (Intercostals), arch of aorta, abdominal arteries (renal, mesenteric) and iliac arteries stained (p=0.000). This study presents inexpensive and readily used protocol for making easier learning and teaching of gross anatomy by differentiating arteries from their associated nerves and veins in cadavers.