Anatomical Study of the Common Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Thoracic Cavity with CT Scan

This study investigates the thoracic cavity anatomy of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) using computed tomography (CT) and 3D image reconstruction techniques. Four healthy male foxes were scanned, and their thoracic structures, including the heart, lungs, trachea, and bronchi, were analyzed. The findings revealed that the red fox possesses 13 pairs of ribs, with the right lung being more caudally extended compared to the left, contrary to many other species. The heart was positioned between the fifth and tenth ribs, angled to the left of the midline. Both the right and left primary bronchi were similar in length and diameter, a feature also noted in other species, such as guinea pigs and dogs. These results contribute to a more detailed understanding of red fox thoracic anatomy, offering a baseline for comparative studies and aiding future diagnostic procedures. The use of non-invasive CT scans provides valuable insights into the positioning and measurements of thoracic organs without the need for invasive methods, establishing this approach as a reliable and ethical means of studying the anatomy of wildlife and other species.