Cross-sectional atlas of the tree shrew () head, neck, and trunk: a comparison of micro-CT imaging and cadaveric sections.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Tree shrews are widely used as animal models in various research fields, however, a comprehensive cross-sectional anatomic reference for this species is currently lacking. METHODS: In this study, Conventional Micro-CT scanning (40 μm slice thickness) was performed on two healthy adult tree shrews to obtain head-neck-thorax-abdomen cross-sectional images. Upon completion of the CT session, the tree shrew was euthanized and transferred to a -20 °C freezer until completely frozen maintaining the same position the plastic support. Subsequently, the specimen was transversely sectioned from the tip of the nose to the anus at 5-mm intervals using an electric bone saw. The CT images were aligned with the frozen anatomical sections, and significant structures were identified and labeled with reference to the relevant literature. RESULTS: This study provides an atlas of normal cross-sectional gross and CT anatomy of the tree shrew head, neck, thorax and abdomen, consisting of 18 anatomical slices and the corresponding CT images and the nomenclature list for each image. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an anatomic and Micro-CT atlas of the head, neck, thorax and abdomen of the tree shrew, which researchers can use as a reference for the interpretation of any cross-sectional imaging modality in tree shrews.