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SummaryThe studies were performed using stereomicroscopic dissection, and light microscopy examination on hearts of healthy and fertile non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis) of both sexes. The results indicate that the anatomy of the coronary arteries offers points of similarity as well as departure from humans. The blood supply to the hearts was by left [LCAI and right (RCA) coronary arteries. The LCA averaged 1.78 ± 0.29 (SDlmm (range 1.40-2.40 mm) in external diameter at its origin, and 4.34 ± 1.29 (SD)mm (range 1.8-6.5 mm) in length. It usually terminated by dividing into a left anterior descending artery (LAD)and the circumflex branch [CXA).The CXA branch coursed along the left part of the atrioventricular groove and gave off a varying number of branches to the left ventricle and atrium along its course. It averaged 1.14±0.30 (SD)mm (range 0.70-1.70mm) in external diameter at its origin. The LAD averaged 1.28± 0.25 (SD)mm (range 0.90 ± 1.80mm) in external diameter at its origin. In 73% cases the LAD continued over the apex to course dorsally in the posterior interventricular groove, and gave off a varying number of diagonal and septal branches. The RCA arose from the right aortic sinus and coursed along the right part of the atrioventricular groove and averaged 0.94±0.15 (SDlmm (range 0.70-1.20mml in external diameter at its origin. The posterior descending coronary artery (PDCA) arose from the LCA in 55% of the cases, and from the RCA in 45%. Myocardial bridges (MB)were present in 54% of the hearts and over the LCA branches exclusively. The average length of all MB was 5.68 ±3.31(SD) mm (range 2.4-11.5 mm). The coronary arteries of Macaca fascicularis are medium sized muscular arteries with well developed tunics intima, media and adventitia, and so resemble human arteries more closely than the dog. Therefore, we suggest this primate species might be a useful model for physiological studies on the coronary circulation.

Investigations were carried out on 55 monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops, Macaca fascicularis) hearts by stereomicroscopic dissection and measurements. Latex-injected specimens and corrosion casts showed that, as in humans, the hearts were usually (in 98.2% of the cases) supplied by two coronary arteries (CAs) -the left (LCA) and the right coronary artery (RCA), and occasionally (in 1.8% of the cases) also by a third one (TCA). Furthermore, the orifice of the TCA was situated in the right aortic sinus at the same level as the RCA and 0.2 mm in front of it. The LCA and the RCA originated from the corresponding aortic sinuses and the external diameter of the LCA was greater [average: 1.65 ± 0.39 (SD) mm] than that of the RCA [average 0.94 ± 0.15 (SD) mm] and the TCA (0.8 mm). The LCA orifice was more often above (76.3%) than below the free edge of the left aortic valve leaflet. The longitudinal axis of the aortic root and of the initial part of the LCA formed an angle of 45-120° (average: 52°). The orifice of the RCA was usually above (82.3%) the free edge of the right aortic valve leaflet, and less frequently below it (17.7%). The longitudinal axis of the aortic root and of the initial part of the RCA formed an angle of 70-150° (average: 103°). The resemblance of monkey CAs to their human counterparts make them a suitable model for experimental studies on coronary circulation.

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