Comparative Gross Anatomical Studies on the Typical Cervical Vertebrae of Chiru (Pantholops Hodgsoni) and Sheep

A comparative gross anatomical study was conducted on the typical cervical vertebrae i.e. 3rd, 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae (CV) of Chiru and sheep. Bodies of the typical CV, except axis were relatively longer than other CV. The length of the bodies gradually decreases from 3rd to 5th CV both in chiru as well as in sheep. The 3rd and 4th supra spinous processes (SSP) were directed upwards and slightly backward whereas, the 5th CV was directed vertically in chiru. Maximum antero-posterior lengths decreased at base of 3rd to 5th, maximum heights increased from 3rd to 4th again decreased at 5th CV in chiru and gradually increased from 3rd to 5th in sheep. Infra spinous process (ISP) was more pronounced and longer than that of succeeding typical CV. The anterior and posterior articular processes of the same side are connected by less prominent bony plate in chiru, whereas the bony plates were comparatively prominent in sheep. Distance between the anterior and posterior articular processes showed increasing trend from 3rd to 5th CV in chiru.Transverse process of chiru was bifid having anterior and posterior divisions. The posterior division of transverse process of chiru was tuberous. Maximum dorso-ventral and transverse diameters at the anterior and posterior aspects of the right and left transverse opening in chiru and sheep from 3rd to 5th CV followed the increasing trend. In the present study the biometrical parameters revealed that the values were generally higher in chiru as compared to sheep.