The development of the reproductive organs of the male giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis
The reproductive organs of the male giraffe differ little in morphology and histology from those of other ungulates. There is some indication that gonadal hypertrophy occurs in late fetal life. Spermatogenesis begins at 3-4years of age and coincides with a rapid increase of testicular weight and seminiferous tubule diameter. In the fetal testis the main […]
Pressure profile and morphology of the arteries along the giraffe limb
Giraffes are the tallest animals on earth and the effects of gravity on their cardiovascular system have puzzled physiologists for centuries. The authors measured arterial and venous pressure in the foreleg of anesthetized giraffes, suspended in upright standing position, and determined the ratio between tunica media and lumen areas along the length of the femoral/tibial […]