Vascular supply of the testis of the camel (<i>Camelus dromedarius</i>)

The origin, pattern of distribution and the length of the convoluted part of the testicular artery were examined by blunt dissection and by the preparation of arterial casts with vinylite. The testicular artery originates from the abdominal aorta just cranial to its bifurcation and forms compact coils and reveals a tortuous course in the region of the pampiniform plexus and along the attached border. The artery divides at the caudal extremity of the testis into 2--4 branches. The epididymal artery, which is a branch of the testicular artery, was seen to anastomose with the deferential artery, but no anastomosis occurs between these arteries and the testicular artery. The convoluted part of the testicular artery was 20 cm in length, but when unravelled totalled 240 cm. This is not affected by seasonal variations. The possible significance of these results was discussed and compared with similar findings of other mammals.