In vivo Observations on a Specialized Microvasculature, the Primary and Secondary Vessels in Fishes

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Microscopical observations have been made on the blood circulation of intact, unanaesthetized specimens of the transparent glass catfish. Along the segmental arteries of the trunk, groups of short, curled vessels of capillary dimensions (termed inter-arterial anastomoses) branch off and reunite to form large so-called secondary arteries running parallel to the main (primary) arteries. Secondary arteries give rise to capillaries in the median ventral fin membrane. Secondary capilaries are drained via separate secondary veins. When blood passes from primary to secondary arteries via the inter-arterial anastomoses a pronounced plasma skimming is observed. Hence, blood perfusing the secondary capillaries of the fin membrane contains very few red blood cells.
Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Zoologica
Volume67
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)193-200
ISSN0001-7272
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1986

ID: 21951444