Facts about Giraffe Circulatory System
- 07
Thick-walled arteries in giraffes contain extra layers of smooth muscle that help withstand and regulate the animal's unusually high internal blood pressure.
- 06
Giraffe femoral arteries experience blood pressure readings exceeding 300 millimeters of mercury, among the highest systolic pressures recorded in any terrestrial mammal's limbs.
- 05
When a giraffe stands upright, blood pressure in its lower legs is exceptionally high, yet the cardiovascular system maintains adequate perfusion throughout the body.
- 04
Elastic tissue in giraffe leg skin and tight fascial sheaths act as a pressure suit, preventing blood from pooling in the lower limbs.
- 03
Jugular veins in giraffes contain special valves that prevent blood from flowing backward and pooling dangerously in the head when the animal bends down.
- 02
A specialized network of blood vessels called the rete mirabile at the base of the giraffe's brain prevents dangerous blood pressure spikes when the animal lowers its head to drink.
- 01
The giraffe's heart can weigh around 11 kilograms and must generate roughly twice the blood pressure of other mammals to pump blood up its long neck.