Porcine Liver Anatomy Applied to Biomedicine

Abstract

Currently, there are at least 70 pure domestic pig breeds, but only certain breeds are used in biomedical research. The domestic pig liver is suitable for preclinical research because its size, physiology, and anatomy are similar to that of the human liver; in addition, there is a high degree of genetic similarity between the two species. For planning experiments and identifying improvements in both invasive and noninvasive methods of liver disease management, the morphological similarities and dissimilarities of the pig liver to its human counterpart must be taken into consideration along with sexual dimorphism and interindividual and interspecific variability. Recent histological evaluations based on stereological methods enable precise quantitative morphological estimates and guarantee their unbiased accuracy. The results thereof are crucial for revealing and assessing histological changes and can contribute to the optimization of study designs. New trends in computed tomography data processing have also been introduced. This review article summarizes the newest trends and findings in the field of porcine liver anatomy and histology as applicable to preclinical research.

Keywords: Anatomy; Biomedical research; Domestic pig; Histology; Liver.