The arterial plan of the head and neck of 64 immature rhesus monkeys (Macacn mulatta) was studied using four techniques -dissection, corrosion preparations, cleared specimens, and angiographs. In general, the arterial plan of this area in the monkey is similar to that of man. However, certain outstanding differences were noted. The origin, course, and distribution of all arteries is described as well as the vascular relations to pertinent structures.As has been mentioned previously (Dyrud, '44; Schwartz and Huelke, '63) the rhesus monkey is useful for many types of medical and dental investigations, yet its detailed gross morphology is virtually unknown. Although certain areas of the monkey have been studied in detailbrachial plexus, facial and masticatory musculature, subclavian, axillary and coronary arteries, orbital vasculature, and other structures (Schwartz and Huelke, '63; Chase and DeGaris, '40; DeGaris and Glidden, '38; Chase, '38; Huber, '25; Weinstein and Hedges, '62; Samuel and Warwick, '55; Eyster, '44; Wagenen and Catchpole, '56; Tokarski, '31; Kennard, '41). other areas have been virtually overlooked or have received but passing attention. The literature on the arterial supply of the primate head has been adequately summarized by Dyrud ('44). Very few investigators, however, have used Macaca mulatta specimens and more importantly in most of the articles only brief descriptions have been presented with many of the pertinent morphological details not having been stated, or overlooked. Additionally, only a few specimens have been used in the majority of these works. It is our purpose to present the arterial plan of the head and neck, especially that of the external carotid arterial system.
MATERIALS AND METHODSSixty-four immature rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were used for this study. All of the animals were embalmed with AM. J. ANAT., 116: 149-170.10% formalin except 17 which were unembalmed. Four different techniques were used for the study of the arterial distribution : ( 1 ) dissections -27 specimens; (2) corrosion preparations -6; (3) cleared specimens -15; ( 4 ) angiographs -16 heads ( 11 unembalmed and 5 embalmed). The arterial system of the specimens used for dissection was injected with vinyl acetate, red latex, or with a red-colored gelation mass. For the dissection of smaller arteries, the smallest of 150 ~1 in diameter, the binocular dissection microscope was used. The corrosion specimens were prepared by injecting the arteries with vinyl acetate followed by maceration of the soft tissue with potassium hydroxide (3-10% ) for 24 to 72 hours. The dye selected for injection of the cleared specimens was Teichmann's paste (Teichmann, '52) colored with cinnabar. These specimens were decalcified in 4% nitric acid and then cleared by the Spalteholtz method. The radiopaque material for the angiographs was the modified Schlessinger's mass (Reiner and Rodriguez, '57), the main components being mercury and barium sulfate.The head and neck was removed from the animal at the level of the cl...