The lumbosacral plexus (plexus lumbosacralis) of the sheep (Ovis Aries)

Abstract

Extract

There are few complete studies on the origin and distribution of the somatic nerves of the lumbosacral plexus of the sheep in the literature. May (1964) described the course of the lumbar and sacral nerves and Linzell (1959) described the variable origins of different nerves while studying the innervation of the mammary glands in the sheep and goat with observations on the lumbosacral autonomic nerves. Within the framework of some experimental work, Larson and Kitchell (1958) discussed certain nerves of this area. How-ever, in general the lumbosacral plexus of the sheep has been sketchily compared with the ox in the standard veterinary anatomical work. The assumption has been that there is no significant difference between the lumbosacral plexus of the large and small ruminants (e.g., sheep and goat). Because of the lack of pertinent information for comparative anatomical studies (including species differences, if any) and experimental work, both for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, it seems desirable that the details of the lumbosacral plexus of the sheep be described. Ani attempt has been made to be as consistent as possible with the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV) (1968)