<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Numerous studies are based on the use of animal models; however, in bipedal and tetrapedal organisms there are significant differences in the biomechanics of the spinal column, which can significantly impair the quality and applicability of the results obtained. The aim of this study is to obtain basic data on the morphometric parameters of guinea pig lumbar vertebrae, the analysis of which will indicate the location of the biggest mechanical load. The lumbar vertebra morphometry test was performed by means of X-ray imageing obtained from 12 guinea pigs, with equal numbers of males and females. The results of investigations show that guinea pig lumbar vertebrae have an irregular trapezoid geometry and that the measured body lengths of L4 and L5 are the largest. The height parameters determined in the medial level showed that L4 had the most concave body. Moreover, L4 had the greatest depth of the spinal canal at the same measurement level. Consequently, in guinea pigs, the greatest load is in the L4 region, unlike in humans, where, due to the axial load of the spinal column, the highest pressure is exerted on the last lumbar vertebrae.</p>
</abstract>

Numerous studies are based on the use of animal models; however, in bipedal and tetrapedal organisms there are significant differences in the biomechanics of the spinal column, which can significantly impair the quality and applicability of the results obtained. The aim of this study is to obtain basic data on the morphometric parameters of guinea pig lumbar vertebrae, the analysis of which will indicate the location of the biggest mechanical load. The lumbar vertebra morphometry test was performed by means of X-ray imageing obtained from 12 guinea pigs, with equal numbers of males and females. The results of investigations show that guinea pig lumbar vertebrae have an irregular trapezoid geometry and that the measured body lengths of L4 and L5 are the largest. The height parameters determined in the medial level showed that L4 had the most concave body. Moreover, L4 had the greatest depth of the spinal canal at the same measurement level. Consequently, in guinea pigs, the greatest load is in the L4 region, unlike in humans, where, due to the axial load of the spinal column, the highest pressure is exerted on the last lumbar vertebrae.

Radiological Investigation of Guinea Pig (<italic>Cavia porcellus</italic>) Lumbar Vertebral Morphology ‒ A Biomechanical Aspect

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Department of Radiology and Radiation Hygiene

Department of Physiology, Bulevar Despota Stefana

Acta Veterinaria

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Radiological Investigation of Guinea Pig () Lumbar Vertebral Morphology ‒ A Biomechanical Aspect

Numerous studies are based on the use of animal models; however, in bipedal and tetrapedal organisms there are significant differences in the biomechanics of...

Radiological Investigation of Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Lumbar Vertebral Morphology ‒ A Biomechanical Aspect

Published Online: Mar 16, 2023

Page range: 55 - 70

Received: Sep 17, 2022

Accepted: Dec 22, 2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acve-2023-0005

Keywords
biomechanics, guinea pig, lumbar spine, morphometry, radiology

© 2023 Marko Jumake Mitrović et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Radiological Investigation of Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Lumbar Vertebral Morphology ‒ A Biomechanical Aspect

Published Online: Mar 16, 2023

Page range: 55 - 70

Received: Sep 17, 2022

Accepted: Dec 22, 2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acve-2023-0005

Keywordsbiomechanics, guinea pig, lumbar spine, morphometry, radiology

© 2023 Marko Jumake Mitrović et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
biomechanics, guinea pig, lumbar spine, morphometry, radiology