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Function of the Inferior Vena Cava Valve of the Harbour Seal

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Abstract

THE anatomical descriptions of the venous system of the seal have impressively described the large hepatic venous sinuses and the existence of a sleeve-like valve surrounding the inferior vena cava1. These hepatic venous sinuses are capable of holding a large volume of blood1. It has been tempting in the past to assume that the purpose of this anatomical system was to store a large volume of blood in the hepatic venous sinuses for use during periods of diving. This would require that the inferior vena cava valve impede flow of blood from the abdominal cavity during diving.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, Maine

    H. V. MURDAUGH JUN., J. K. BRENNAN, W. W. PYRON & J. W. WOOD

  2. Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Medical Center, Birmingham, 3, Alabama

    J. W. WOOD

Authors
  1. H. V. MURDAUGH JUN.
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  2. J. K. BRENNAN
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  3. W. W. PYRON
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  4. J. W. WOOD
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MURDAUGH, H., BRENNAN, J., PYRON, W. et al. Function of the Inferior Vena Cava Valve of the Harbour Seal. Nature 194, 700–701 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1038/194700a0

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