Network analysis of an arterial tree.

The arterial tree of a Sprague-Dawley rat was casted and carefully mapped with the aim of comparing its network characteristics with those suggested by the classical model of an arterial tree. It is shown that if the tree is to be measured accurately, the concept of 'whole vessels' on which the classical model is based must be abandoned since such vessels do not actually exist in the network, nor can they be accurately defined. The concept of 'vessel segments' is proposed instead and its use is demonstrated. A total of 1313 vessel segments in the arterial tree of the rat are mapped and divided into well defined 'levels'. The length and diameter of each segment are measured and the distribution and averages of these at different levels are presented as indicators of the branching characteristics of the tree.