Descriptive Histology and Anatomy of the Nasal Cavity and Its Associated Sensory Organs in the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) Based on Four Standardised Transverse Sections

Van de Weyer, Yannick, Asproni, Pietro, Bexton, Steve, Tilston, Valerie, Leeming, Gail ORCID: 0000-0003-3409-399X and Rocchigiani, Guido ORCID: 0000-0002-3742-7636 (2025) Descriptive Histology and Anatomy of the Nasal Cavity and Its Associated Sensory Organs in the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) Based on Four Standardised Transverse Sections ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA, 54 (6). e70067-. ISSN 0340-2096, 1439-0264

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Abstract

The nasal cavity of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) harbours a well-developed olfactory system, essential for food provision and communication. Additionally, it acts as a first line of defence by preventing pathogens and irritants from reaching the lungs, thereby playing an important physiological role. This study describes the histo-anatomical features of the nasal cavity in the species. Hedgehogs have simple nasoturbinates and complex branching maxilloturbinates lined by respiratory epithelium. The caudal nasal cavity contains large lateral nasal glands and abundant olfactory epithelium, especially dorsally, lining most of the septum and ethmoid sinuses. The left and right nasal cavities merge at the nasopharynx.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	conchae, olfactory, respiratory, steno's gland, vibrissae, vomeronasal organ
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences (T&R Staff) Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences > Vet Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	21 Oct 2025 07:15
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 20:22
DOI:	10.1111/ahe.70067
Open Access URL:	https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ahe.70...
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3194934
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