






































Type of the Paper (Article


 

  

 

 
Cluj Vet J 2024, 29, 2 http://clujveterinaryjournal.ro 

Article 

Histological evaluation of the common carotid arteries in the 
goat (Capra Hircus) 

Cosmin R. Creț 1, Mircea Cipou 2, Bogdan Cătălin Alexandru3, Alexandra Irimie 1,* and Aurel Damian 1 

1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Anatomy Department, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary 
Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj, Romania; alexandra.irimie@usamvcluj.ro 

2 Assisi Veterinary Clinic, Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland 
3  Faculty of Medicine, Anatomy Department, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-

Napoca, 400347, Romania 
* Correspondence: alexandra.irimie@usamvcluj.ro  

Abstract: Fragments of the common carotid arteries were collected from 8 goats that had succumbed to accidents. These samples 
underwent histological processing, involving fixation and embedding in paraffin. Sections, 5 μ in thickness, were then stained using 
the Trichrome Goldner method for overall assessment and Verhoeff staining for elastic tissue analysis. Upon using Trichrome 
Goldner staining, it was observed that goat carotid arteries exhibited a typical appearance of muscular arteries, with the thickest 
layer being the media, primarily composed of muscular components. Verhoeff staining further revealed a well-represented elastic 
tissue presence within the adventitia, exhibiting a distinct arrangement. Both staining methods indicated that goat common carotid 
arteries possess tunics comparable in thickness to muscular arteries, with a predominantly muscular media. However, the adventitia 
was notably distinguished by a significantly higher concentration of elastic tissue compared to typical muscular arteries. 
Consequently, with these findings, we propose classifying goat common carotid arteries as musculoelastic transitional arteries. 

Keywords: common carotid arteries, muscular component, elastic component 
 

 

1. Introduction 
Arteries are broadly categorized into two types: elastic and muscular. Large-

diameter arteries, such as the aorta and its primary branches, are classified as elastic 
arteries due to their predominant elastic media composition, despite also containing 
muscle and connective tissue [1]. In these arteries, the elastic component not only prevails 
but also exhibits a distinctive arrangement. Specifically, the elastic component of large 
arteries comprises multiple concentric elastic lamellae, interspersed with muscle and 
connective tissue. Examples of elastic arteries include the aorta, brachiocephalic trunk, 
common carotid artery, subclavian artery, and common iliac artery [2]. 

Arteries play a crucial role in supplying organs with blood and essential nutrients. 
The initial arteries emerging from the heart invariably experience high pressure. To 
withstand this stress, they are rich in elastic tissue and have a lower concentration of 
smooth muscle. Elastin, a key component of the arterial wall, provides elasticity, 
allowing arteries to expand and contract, thereby adjusting their diameter. The elasticity 
of the walls of large arteries enables them to maintain a relatively steady pressure 
gradient, even as the heart functions as a pump. Specifically, arterial wall elasticity 
facilitates the dampening of pulsations and the equalization of blood flow through 
passive expansion and elastic recoil. As arteries extend away from the heart, they 
progressively branch into smaller vessels characterized by a greater proportion of 
smooth muscle and reduced elastic tissue [3]. 

 All vertebrates and invertebrates possess closed circulatory systems, though the 
properties of their components vary to accommodate species-specific physiological 

Received: 29.04.2024 

Accepted: 02.05.2024 

Published: 4.06.2024 

DOI: 10.52331/rnm5qc24 

 

 

 

Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. 

Submitted for possible open access 

publication under the terms and 

conditions of the Creative Commons 

Attribution (CC BY) license 

(http://creativecommons.org/licenses

/by/4.0/). 



Cluj Vet J 2024, 29, 2 17 of 43 
 

pressure ranges. In each instance, the elasticity of vessels arises from the parallel arrangement of elastic and 
rigid connective tissue elements within their walls. 

In ruminants, the common carotid arteries originate from the bicarotid trunk at an acute angle and 
ascend along the tracheal margins to the cranial end of the cervical region. There, they bifurcate into two 
branches: the external carotid artery, which supplies structures in the head, and the internal carotid artery, 
responsible for supplying the brain and its derivatives [4]. In contrast, other species such as equines and 
carnivores have common carotid arteries that terminate in three branches: the internal carotid, external 
carotid, and occipital artery [5]. These differences in arterial branching patterns seem to be influenced by 
various factors, including the animals' dietary habits and locomotion requirements. Animals adopt different 
postures for feeding based on their locomotion needs and specific feeding habits. Some animals feed with 
their heads raised to reach elevated branches, while others feed with their heads lowered to access food at 
ground level. Ruminants present a unique scenario, as they spend several hours daily in rumination, during 
which they typically hold their heads up [6]. To accommodate the hemodynamic needs associated with 
locomotion and feeding habits, animals have adapted through specific arrangements of vessels serving 
various anatomical regions. The goat, for instance, engages in extensive movement while foraging, gathering 
food with both upward and downward head movements, and dedicating significant time to rumination 
compared to monogastric animals. 

Considering these factors, we deemed it appropriate to conduct morphological investigations on the 
common carotid arteries supplying the head and neck of goats. Our aim was to identify any adaptive 
structures that may have developed in response to the unique characteristics of this animal with distinctive 
feeding habits. 

 
2. Materials and Methods 
The biological material used consisted of 8 common breed goats, deceased from various causes. The 

study was conducted based on the approval of the Bioethics Committee of the USAMV Cluj-Napoca, under 
decision no. 403 dated 29.09.2023, adhering to the recommendations of the World Organization for Animal 
Health. An anatomical dissection was performed to gain access to the carotid arteries, after which arterial 
fragments were collected for histological investigations. The collected pieces were fixed in 10% formalin 
solution, dehydrated in increasing concentrations of ethyl alcohol (70%, 95%, absolute), clarified with 1-
Butanol, and embedded in paraffin. Sections with a thickness of 5 μm were prepared, which were stained 
using the Trichrome Goldner method for general topographic aspects and Verhoeff staining to highlight 
elastic structures. The histological preparations were examined under an OlympusBX41 microscope, 
equipped with a digital camera. 

3. Results 
  Structurally, the common carotid arteries exhibit a prominent media layer, constituting 65-70% of the 
total thickness of the arterial wall. The intima consists primarily of endothelium and a relatively thin 
endothelial layer. At the boundary between the intima and media, a thick and undulating internal elastic 
lamina is observed. The media is composed of smooth muscle cells predominantly arranged in a circular 
fashion (Figures 1 and 3), interspersed with discontinuous elastic lamellae that are relatively thin and spaced 
apart. Within the broad interstices between these lamellae lie delicate elastic fibers oriented obliquely and 
transversely, creating an impression of an elastic network anchoring the components together. The internal 
elastic lamina is thick and undulating, while the external lamina comprises 2-3 thin elastic lamellae. Overall, 
the structural characteristics of goat common carotid arteries closely resemble those of typical muscular 
arteries. However, a notable difference lies in the adventitia, which constitutes approximately 25% of the 
arterial wall thickness and contains numerous elastic lamellae. These lamellae exhibit a distinctive circular 
arrangement, reminiscent of the arrangement observed in the middle layers of elastic arteries (Figures 2 and 
4). 



Cluj Vet J 2024, 29, 2 18 of 43 
 

 
Figure 1. Right Carotid Artery (Goldner's Trichrome staining); red arrow - intima; blue arrow - media; yellow arrow – adventitia. 

 
Figure 2. Right carotid (Verhoeff staining); red arrow – internal elastic limiter; blue arrow – elastic fibers on average; 

yellow arrow - elastic fibers in the adventitia. 



Cluj Vet J 2024, 29, 2 19 of 43 
 

 
Figure 3. Left carotid (Goldner's Trichrome staining); red arrow – intima; blue arrow - media; yellow arrow – adventitia. 

 
Figure 4. Left carotid (Verhoeff staining); red arrow – internal elastic limiter; blue arrow – elastic fibers on average; yellow arrow - 

elastic fibers in the adventitia. 

4. Discussion 
The common carotid arteries, crucial for supplying blood to the head and neck regions, are large 

elastic arteries [7, 8, 9]. They bifurcate at the carotid sinus into the internal carotid artery, serving the brain, 
and the external carotid artery, supplying the neck and face [10, 11]. 

The anatomical positioning of the goat's common carotid arteries is notably unique, situated within a 
highly mobile region and in close proximity to the external environment. This anatomical context demands 
continuous blood flow despite external stresses, particularly the significant movements of the head and neck 
during food collection, whether upward or downward from branches. Adaptations in the structural 



Cluj Vet J 2024, 29, 2 20 of 43 
 

composition of goat common carotid arteries have occurred to meet these demands for both quantitative 
and qualitative blood supply. 

To optimize blood flow, the average goat common carotid artery possesses a relatively thick media 
primarily comprised of smooth muscle cells arranged predominantly in a circular pattern. Unlike typical 
elastic arteries characterized by a predominantly elastic media, goat common carotid arteries exhibit a media 
where smooth muscle cells are the predominant feature. While elastic lamellae are present, they are fewer 
in number, discontinuous, and spaced apart compared to elastic arteries. The media is demarcated from the 
intima by a thick, undulating elastic lamina, akin to typical muscular arteries, alongside a thin outer elastic 
lamina. 

Overall, the structural characteristics of goat common carotid arteries resemble those of muscular 
arteries, despite a slightly greater representation of elastic lamellae. However, they differ significantly from 
elastic arteries in terms of the number and arrangement of elastic lamellae. Based solely on media structure, 
these arteries could be classified as muscular arteries. 

A noteworthy observation pertains to the adventitia, which shares a comparable thickness with 
muscular arteries but differs slightly in structure. The distinct appearance of the adventitia in goat common 
carotid arteries stems from a substantial presence of elastic tissue, manifested by elastic lamellae arranged 
approximately concentrically. These lamellae exhibit relative polymorphism in thickness, and their 
arrangement partially mirrors that of elastic arteries, albeit with greater and uneven spacing between them. 
This conjunctive-elastic composition of the adventitia in goat common carotid arteries stands apart from the 
thin, predominantly collagenous structure of elastic arteries and the thicker but structurally distinct 
adventitia of muscular arteries. The notable disparity lies in the significantly greater abundance of elastic 
tissue. 

In our assessment, this unique adventitial structure in goat common carotid arteries does not seem to 
arise solely from adaptation to internal stresses imposed by the blood column traversing their lumen. 
Instead, adaptations primarily occur at the structural level within the intima and media to address internal 
demands. We believe that the development of a well-defined adventitia with abundant elastic tissue 
arranged in a specific pattern could stem from adaptation to external stresses, likely due to the anatomical 
positioning within a highly mobile region. 

In response to external stresses, the adventitia of goat common carotid arteries has adapted by 
significantly increasing the elastic component, thereby primarily providing elasticity to these arteries. 
Consequently, the adventitia acts as an elastic buffer, ensuring the integrity of the arterial wall despite 
exposure to external stresses. 

Considering both the structure of the media and the adventitia, goat common carotid arteries cannot 
be classified as typical muscular arteries or typical elastic arteries. Instead, they exhibit characteristics of 
transition arteries, combining features of both muscle and elastic arteries. 

Similar findings, albeit not identical, have been reported in related species such as sheep. Martonos et 
al. [12] observed that in the average carotid artery of Țurcană breed sheep, the internal elastic lamina is wavy 
and easily distinguishable compared to the deeper elastic lamellae. Additionally, there is a slightly increased 
number of elastic lamellae, likely influenced by the gradual change in vessel caliber and anatomical-
topographical distance from the heart [13]. Interlamellar bridges, consisting of elastic fibers crossing the 
interlamellar space and anchoring the elastic lamellae together, have also been identified [12]. These bridges 
are hypothesized to play a significant role in maintaining interlamellar spaces against the pressure of blood 
flow in the vascular bed [12], a phenomenon previously observed in human aortic segments [14]. Martonos 
et al. [12] classify the common carotid artery of sheep as elastic arteries, albeit with certain distinct aspects. 
However, this classification does not align with our recommendation for goat common carotid arteries, 
despite the high similarities observed between the two species. Differences in interpretation may account 
for these discrepancies. 

Differences in arterial elasticity are also evident in animals living in unique environmental and feeding 
conditions. Large whales provide a striking example, with their aortic arch exhibiting exceptional elasticity 
while the descending aorta displays minimal elasticity [2]. The aortic arch in these animals possesses an 
extraordinary capacity for expansion, effectively ensuring elastic compliance throughout the arterial tree, 
whereas the descending aortic segments have thinner walls and are approximately 30 times stiffer than the 
aortic arch [15]. The remarkable expansion capability of the aortic arch in large whales enhances the aorta's 
volume capacity and likely aids in maintaining blood flow during diving bradycardia [16, 17]. 



Cluj Vet J 2024, 29, 2 21 of 43 
 

To estimate elastic, viscous, and inertial moduli, Bia et al. [18] developed various methodologies, 
through which they discovered that carotid arteries exhibit higher relative levels of collagen and smooth 
muscle compared to the ascending and descending aorta. Moreover, over time, the relative value of elastin 
was found to be significantly lower (𝑃𝑃 < 0.05). 

5. Conclusions 
Considering the thickness of their tunics comparable to muscular arteries, a predominantly muscular 

media, and a distinctive presence of elastic tissue within the adventitia, we classify goat common carotid 
arteries as transitional, musculoelastic arteries. We believe that this unique structure reflects adaptation to 
the hemodynamic demands specific to goats, influenced by their anatomical disposition and the functions 
they serve. 

References 
 
1. Gal, A.F.; Miclăuș V. Histologie specială și Embriologie generală, Ed. AcademicPres, Cluj-Napoca, 2020.  
2. Shadwick, R.E. Mechanical design in arteries. J. Exp. Biol. 1999, 202 (23), 3305–3313, https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.202.23.3305 PMID 

10562513.  
3. Tuker, W.D.; Arora Y.; Mahajan K. Anatomy, Blood Vessels, In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 

Florida, USA, 2023.  
4. Damian, A. Anatomie comparată. Sistemul cardiovascular, Ed. Academicpres. Cluj-Napoca, 2001. 
5. König, H.E and Liebich, H.G. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Animals, 7th ed.; Georg Thieme Verlag KG: Stuttgard, Germany, 

2021; p. 486; DOI 10.1055/b-007-167437  
6. Shakuntala Rao, N. R.; Sujatha K.; Meera K.; Krishna Rao, H.R. A comparative study on the structure and functions of aorta in 

man and ruminant animals. Int J Anat Res 2016, 4(4), 3194-98.  
7. Gupta, N.; Motlagh, M.; Singh, G.  Head and Neck, Eye Arteries. StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL), 2022, PubMed. 
8. Meegalla, N.; Sood, G.; Nessel, T.A.; Downs, B.W. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Facial Arteries, Stat Pearls Publishing; Treasure Island 

(FL), 2022, PubMed. 
9. NCBI. Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545238. Sethi, D.; Gofur, E.M.; Waheed, A. Anatomy, Head 

and Neck, Carotid Arteries. StatPearls Publishing, 2019. 
10. Choi, I.S. Functional vascular anatomy of the head and neck. Interv Neuroradiol. 2003, 10(9), 29-30.  
11. Radiopaedia. Available online: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/common-carotid-artery-2. Yoshi, Y. Common carotid artery, 

Radiology Reference Article, 2024.  
12. Martonos, C.; Gudea, A.; Rus, V.; Miclăuș, V.; Damian, A.; Pivariu, D.; Gal, A.F.; Stan, F. Morphological aspects of the common 

carotid artery in turcana lambs. Rev Rom Med Vet 2021, 31(4), 29-35. 
13. Awal, M.A.; Prodhan, M.; Kurohmaru, M.; Matsumoto, M.; Hishinakagawa, H. Microscopic studies on the arterial walls of main 

arteries supplying the mammary glands of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) at different reproductive stages. Veterinary Archives. 
2001, 71(1), 19-30. 

14. Dingemans, K.P.; Jansen, N.; Becker, A.E. Ultrastructure of the normal human aortic media. Pathological anatomy and histology 
1981, 392(2), 199-216. 

15. Shadwick, R. E. and Gosline, J. M. Arterial mechanics in the fin whale suggest a unique haemodynamic design. Am. J. Physiol. 
1994,  267, 805–818  

16. Drabek, C. M. Some anatomical aspects of the cardiovascular system of antarctic seals and their possible significance in diving. J. 
Morph. 1975, 145, 85106, https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.1051450106  

17. Shadwick, R. E. and Gosline, J. M. Arterial Windkessels in marine mammals. Symp. Soc. Exp. Biol. 1995, 49, 243–252.  
18. Bia, D.; Zócalo, Y.; Cabrera-Fischer, E.I.; Wray, S.; Armentano, R.L. Quantitative Analysis of the Relationship between Blood 

Vessel Wall Constituents and Viscoelastic Properties: Dynamic Biomechanical and Structural In Vitro Studies in Aorta and 
Carotid Arteries. Physiology Journal Volume, 2014, Article ID 142421, 9 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/142421. 

 
  


