Arteries of the Foreflipper of the Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) as Represented by Contrast Arteriography

Contrast arteriography has shown that the foreflipper of the harbor seal, Phoca vitulina, lacks a major dorsal circulation. Analysis of radiographs of the axillary artery revealed that the foreflipper lacks two major arteries, a surperficial brachial artery and a radial artery, and a palmar arch. The absence of these arteries is responsible for reduced dorsal circulation in the foreflipper.