Thoracic Cavity of a Dog, Right Side – Erler Zimmer VP9040

The Dog’s Thoracic Cavity, Right Side – Erler Zimmer VP9040 depicts a dissection of the thoracic cavity of an adult dog as viewed from the right side. The right thoracic wall, including the ribs, and the right lung have been removed, while the pulmonary vessels have been preserved in situ in their relationship to the heart. This specimen allows for a particularly clear view of the anatomical organization of the mediastinum and the relationships between the cardiovascular system, the respiratory tract, the esophagus, and the major nervous structures of the thorax.

In the cranial mediastinum, the veins that contribute to the formation of the superior vena cava and the branches of the right subclavian artery are identifiable. Also visible in this region are the thoracic portion of the longus colli muscle, the thoracic trachea, and the esophagus, which serve as important landmarks for the study of thoracic topography.

The dissection also preserves the course of the phrenic nerve and the vagosympathetic trunk and allows for the identification of the position of the stellate ganglion. In the middle mediastinum, the heart is exposed, still partially covered by the fibrous pericardium. At the base of the heart, the pulmonary vessels and the main bronchi, arising from the bifurcation of the trachea, can be observed.

Proceeding toward the caudal mediastinum, one can trace the caudal vena cava and the right phrenic nerve, in relation to the caudal mediastinal recess and the vena cava groove. On the dorsal side, the esophagus, the dorsal and ventral vagal trunks, the thoracic aorta, the right azygos vein, and the sympathetic trunk are clearly visible. The simultaneous presence of these structures makes the model particularly useful for understanding the three-dimensional relationships between the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, and the autonomic nervous system.

In the caudal portion, the diaphragm is preserved, along with its insertions on the costal arches and lumbar vertebrae. The extensor muscles of the cervical and thoracic spine, the intercostal muscles, and the brachial plexus are also preserved, offering a more complete view of the relationships between the thoracic cavity, the chest wall, and the surrounding muscular structures.

The VP9040 is particularly suitable for studying the topographic anatomy of the canine thorax and for university-level teaching in veterinary medicine. The selective removal of the thoracic wall and the right lung allows for direct observation of structures that, in an intact specimen, are partially overlapping or difficult to access.