Topography and blood supply to the mandibular lymph node of the Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica Gmelin, 1788) in ontogenesis

Abstract

The research purpose is to study the topography and blood supply to the mandibular lymph nodes of the Baikal seal which is an endemic animal of Lake Baikal. The lymph nodes perform a number of vital functions, which should be taken into account when analyzing the pathogenesis of diseases. It was identified that the mandibular lymph nodes are grouped near the angle of the lower jaw and closely located. Their color varies from rich burgundy to light pink. The shape can be triangular, circular, or oval. The length is identical in all age groups. Diameters of oval and round shapes are almost identical in all age groups. The main sources of blood supply to the mandibular lymph nodes are the external jaw artery, the cranial thyroid artery (their branches are directed to the nodes grouped cranially). and the caudal thyroid artery (it supplies blood to the second largest lymph node located caudomedially).