Skip to main content

Novel Insights Into the Architecture of Macro and Microstructures in Cattle Ossa Cordis

Research Authors
Mohamed A M Alsafy, Samir A A El-Gendy, Brian Atkinson, Craig J Sturrock, Basma M Kamal, Aziza Alibhai, Hanan H Abd-Elhafeez, Soha Soliman, Ahmed M Rashwan, Karam Roshdy, Catrin S Rutland,
Research Abstract

Abstract

Ossa cordis, bones located within the heart trigones, are often classified as heterotopic or ectopic bones. Despite their high prevalence in cattle and some other bovids, little is known about their structure or development. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microtomography, gross dissections, and measurements showed the anatomical locations, prevalence, shapes, and measurements of the cardiac bones in both Egyptian Baladi cattle and Holstein-Friesians. All cattle (n = 12) had an Ossa cordis dextrum (average = 50.70 × 20.91 × 5.40 mm). Additionally, 80% Egyptian Baladi and 57% Holstein-Friesian had a smaller Ossa cordis sinistrum (average = 24.94 × 12.75 × 4.12 mm). Egyptian Baladi Ossa cordis were smaller than observed in Holstein-Friesians. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed the elemental constitution (carbon, oxygen, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium) of Ossa cordis and Cartilago cordis. These imaging techniques, plus four histological stains (hematoxylin and eosin, Crossman's trichrome, Alcian blue with Van Gieson, and Sirius Red) and microscopy, demonstrated osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, astrocytes, blood vessels, bone marrow, lamellar and woven bone, cortical bone, trabeculations with pores and canaliculi, and fibrous components including collagen in the Ossa cordis dextrum and sinistrum. Hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage (chondrocytes and cartilage matrix) were found within and surrounding the Ossa cordis. These findings were additionally compared against other cattle breeds and species.

Research Date
Research Journal
Microscopy and Microanalysis, Volume 30, Issue 3, June 2024, Pages 574–593, https://doi.org/10.1093/mam/ozae046
Research Publisher
Cambridge publisher
Research Rank
Q1 microscopy
Research Vol
Volume 30, Issue 3
Research Website
https://academic.oup.com/mam/article/30/3/574/7688378
Research Year
2024
Research Pages
Pages 574–593,