Morphometric and Macroanatomic Examination of Cavum Nasi in Kivircik Sheep: A Statistical Comparison by Gender

Abstract— The nasal cavity of sheep exhibits complex anatomical structures that are important for respiratory function and breed-specific adaptations. Understanding its macroanatomical and morphometric characteristics can provide insights into species-specific traits. This study aims to determine the macroanatomical and morphometric values of certain structures within the nasal cavity of Kivircik sheep. Ten Kivircik sheep heads (5 males, 5 females) were used. Eighteen tissues of the cavum nasi (nasal cavity) and nasus externus were evaluated for length and thickness using a digital caliper. Data were analyzed using multi-factor and interactive analysis of variance (Two-Way ANOVA), the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Pearson correlation test. A positive and significant correlation was found between the length of the widest part of the concha nasalis dorsalis and the length of the plica basalis (r = 0.661, p < 0.01). Additionally, a positive and significant correlation was observed between the cranio-caudal length of the concha nasalis media and the width of its caudal end (r = 0.510, p < 0.05). The morphometric characteristics of the concha nasalis sections are largely symmetrical and independent of sex, with only minor biological variation in certain measurements.