Male Genital Organs in the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes); Macroanatomic and Three-dimentional Reconstruction Aspect

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to describe to the genital organs, the macroanatomical aspect and three- dimentional (3D) reconstruction of penis and os penis using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images in the male red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Six dead male red foxes were used as material. After MDCT images of the penis were obtained, they were reconstructed using a 3D modeling program (Mimics) by overlapping the images. Morphometric measurements were taken from reconstructed model of the penis and os penis. Dissections of foxes were carefully carried out under the loupes. Testis, epididymis and penis were measured from different places. In terms of anatomical aspect, in the red foxes were determined to ovoid testis and extend horizontally into the scrotum. The accessory genital glands were only prostate. The prostate was located to surround the urethra. The spongios body of penis had os penis which the urethra was pass through. The length of the penis obtained by mimics program and digital calliper were not difference. These results may contribute to the lack of the literature about male genital anatomy of the fed fox. It is thought that this study, using 3D reconsruction techniques could make anatomical studies easier to do without harming on wild animals.

Keywords

• genital organs
• anatomy
• 3d imaging