FOREWORD 
The European hamster has proved to be a very useful animal for research in 
pulmonary carcinogenesis. However, prior to the publication of this handbook 
there has been little useful anatomical information on the animal. In 1974, Drs. 
Mohr, Reznik and Reznik-Schiiller of the Medizinische Hochschule Anatomical 
of Hannover produced an illustrated manuscript entitled "The European Ham- 
ster, An Anatomical Atlas." The manuscript was reviewed by Drs. Robert E. 
Habel and Howard E. Evans of the Cornell University Veterinary School, and in 
1975 a contract was awarded by the National Cancer Institute to the Franklin 
Institute Research Laboratories (FIRL) for publication of the manuscript. Dr. 
Stephen Tauber of FIRL directed this project, with Dr. Paul Walter of FIRL 
editing the publication and Dr. Peter Dodson of the University of Pennsylvania 
School of Veterinary Medicine acting as anatomical consultant. 
This volume is not an all-inclusive atlas. Clinically relevant systems such as 
the respiratory system are emphasized and the anatomical orientation is focused 
on regions rather than systems. Details of the anatomy of the appendages or of 
other regions not covered in this volume may be obtained by writing to the 
authors. 
Likewise, emphasis is not given to microanatomy; however, when the his- 
tology of structures is described, it is noted in smaller typeface to alert the reader. 
Nomenclature was standardized by using the Nomina Anatomica Veter- 
inaria (N.A.V. 1968, 1973) as an authority, except insofar as it failed to denote 
structures unique either to rodents or hamsters (i.e., bursa buccalis). Each 
anatomical structure is introduced with its Latin (N.A.V.) term but the English 
term is used subsequently throughout the text. 
The German manuscript was translated in the authors' laboratory and 
edited by Dr. Waher and Dr. Dodson and Mr. Ronald Levine of FIRL. Dr. 
Walter also contributed significant segments of original text, especially with 
regard to limits and landmarks of thoracic and abdominal cavities, peritoneal 
relationships, and clinical considerations. Any editorial addition was read and 
approved by the authors who accept full responsibility for the text. 
The typing help of Francine Davis, Barbara Knox, Brenda Allen, and Clare 
M. Byrnes is most gratefully acknowledged. 
This monograph is part of Contract No. NOl-CP-55687 awarded by the 
National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Cause and Prevention, Dr. Thomas 
P. Cameron, Project Officer. 
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