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Ingle DN, Perez E, Porter ME, Marshall CD. Feeding without teeth: the material properties of rhamphothecae from two species of durophagous sea turtles. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221424. [PMID: 37090964 PMCID: PMC10113817 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The feeding apparatus of sea turtles comprises cornified keratinous rhamphothecae overlaying a bony rostrum. Although keratin is less stiff than the enamel of toothed animals, certain species of sea turtles are capable of withstanding large forces when feeding on hard prey. We aimed to quantify the mineral density, water content and compressive mechanical properties of rhamphothecae from two durophagous species: loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles. Since loggerheads theoretically produce the greater bite forces of these two species, we predicted that keratin from their rhamphothecae would have a greater mineral density and be stiffer, stronger and tougher compared with Kemp's ridley sea turtles. We found that total water weight of hydrated specimens (20%) was consistent between species. Rhamphotheca mineral density ranged between 0 and 0.069 g cm-3; loggerheads had significantly greater mineral density compared with Kemp's ridleys, for which several specimens had no mineral detected. Despite the greater mineral density in loggerheads, we found no significant difference in Young's modulus, yield strength or toughness between these species. In addition to mineral density, our findings suggest that other material components, such as sulfur, may be influencing the material properties of keratin from sea turtle rhamphothecae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle N. Ingle
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
- Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Eliza Perez
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
| | - Marianne E. Porter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Christopher D. Marshall
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
- Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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González Rodríguez E, Encinoso Quintana M, Morales Bordon D, Garcés JG, Artiles Nuez H, Jaber JR. Anatomical Description of Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta cornuta) Head by Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Gross-Sections. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13060955. [PMID: 36978497 PMCID: PMC10044561 DOI: 10.3390/ani13060955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we attempted to elaborate on an atlas of the head of the rhinoceros iguana, applying modern imaging techniques such as CT and MRI. Furthermore, by combining the images acquired through these techniques with macroscopic anatomical sections, we obtained an adequate description of the relevant structures that form the head of this species. This anatomical information could provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of different pathological processes in iguanas such as abscesses and osteodystrophy secondary to nutrient imbalances, skull malformations, fractures, and neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eligia González Rodríguez
- Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Mario Encinoso Quintana
- Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.E.Q.); (J.R.J.)
| | - Daniel Morales Bordon
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Producción Animal, Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
| | | | | | - José Raduan Jaber
- Departamento de Morfología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.E.Q.); (J.R.J.)
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Cranial Structure of Varanus komodoensis as Revealed by Computed-Tomographic Imaging. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041078. [PMID: 33918974 PMCID: PMC8070356 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We investigated the head of Komodo dragons using CT imaging. Cross-sections show that all cranial bones can be delineated, while soft tissue structures are evident but not clearly identifiable without an anatomical atlas. Additional three-dimensional reconstructed and maximum intensity projection images of the head were presented to depict bony structures. The anatomical structures identified on the CT images could help further assess the head of the Komodo dragon. Abstract This study aimed to describe the anatomic features of the normal head of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) identified by computed tomography. CT images were obtained in two dragons using a helical CT scanner. All sections were displayed with a bone and soft tissue windows setting. Head reconstructed, and maximum intensity projection images were obtained to enhance bony structures. After CT imaging, the images were compared with other studies and reptile anatomy textbooks to facilitate the interpretation of the CT images. Anatomic details of the head of the Komodo dragon were identified according to the CT density characteristics of the different organic tissues. This information is intended to be a useful initial anatomic reference in interpreting clinical CT imaging studies of the head and associated structures in live Komodo dragons.
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Anatomic Interactive Atlas of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle ( Caretta caretta) Head. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010198. [PMID: 33467620 PMCID: PMC7830008 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Because several diseases have been reported affecting the head of sea turtles, accurate anatomic knowledge of this body part is necessary. We provide an open access, anatomic, interactive atlas of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), to facilitate anatomic learning using osteology, gross dissection, and computed tomography (CT) images. Using segmentation and visualization software, relevant anatomic structures were identified and colored in all images, and a computer atlas was developed. This atlas, composed of 55 images, provides an interactive anatomic resource for veterinarians, biologists, researchers, and students involved in loggerhead sea turtle conservation. Abstract The head of the sea turtle is susceptible to congenital, developmental, traumatic, and infectious disorders. An accurate interpretation and thorough understanding of the anatomy of this region could be useful for veterinary practice on sea turtles. The purpose of this study was to develop an interactive two-dimensional (2D) atlas viewing software of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) using images obtained via osteology, gross dissections, and computed tomography (CT). The atlas is composed of 10 osteology, 13 gross dissection, 10 sagittal multiplanar reconstructed CT (bone and soft tissue kernels), and 22 transverse CT (bone and soft tissue windows) images. All images were segmented and colored using ITK-SNAP software. The visualization and image assessment were performed using the Unity 3D platform to facilitate the development of interactive content in 2D. This atlas can be useful as an interactive anatomic resource for assessment of the head of loggerhead sea turtles.
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Fidalgo G, Paiva K, Mendes G, Barcellos R, Colaço G, Sena G, Pickler A, Mota CL, Tromba G, Nogueira LP, Braz D, Silva HR, Colaço MV, Barroso RC. Synchrotron microtomography applied to the volumetric analysis of internal structures of Thoropa miliaris tadpoles. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18934. [PMID: 33144603 PMCID: PMC7641268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75993-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are models for studying applied ecological issues such as habitat loss, pollution, disease, and global climate change due to their sensitivity and vulnerability to changes in the environment. Developmental series of amphibians are informative about their biology, and X-ray based 3D reconstruction holds promise for quantifying morphological changes during growth—some with a direct impact on the possibility of an experimental investigation on several of the ecological topics listed above. However, 3D resolution and discrimination of their soft tissues have been difficult with traditional X-ray computed tomography, without time-consuming contrast staining. Tomographic data were initially performed (pre-processing and reconstruction) using the open-source software tool SYRMEP Tomo Project. Data processing and analysis of the reconstructed tomography volumes were conducted using the segmentation semi-automatic settings of the software Avizo Fire 8, which provide information about each investigated tissues, organs or bone elements. Hence, volumetric analyses were carried out to quantify the development of structures in different tadpole developmental stages. Our work shows that synchrotron X-ray microtomography using phase-contrast mode resolves the edges of the internal tissues (as well as overall tadpole morphology), facilitating the segmentation of the investigated tissues. Reconstruction algorithms and segmentation software played an important role in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of each target structure of the Thoropa miliaris tadpole at different stages of development, providing information on volume, shape and length. The use of the synchrotron X-ray microtomography setup of the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra Synchrotron, in phase-contrast mode, allows access to volumetric data for bone formation, eye development, nervous system and notochordal changes during the development (ontogeny) of tadpoles of a cycloramphid frog Thoropa miliaris. As key elements in the normal development of these and any other frog tadpole, the application of such a comparative ontogenetic study, may hold interest to researchers in experimental and environmental disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fidalgo
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Science, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - K Paiva
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Science, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Mendes
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Science, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - R Barcellos
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Science, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Colaço
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Sena
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Science, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A Pickler
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Science, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C L Mota
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Science, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Tromba
- Elettra/Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.P.a., Trieste, Italy
| | - L P Nogueira
- Oral Research Laboratory, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - D Braz
- Nuclear Engineering Program/COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - H R Silva
- Laboratory of Herpetology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M V Colaço
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Science, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - R C Barroso
- Laboratory of Applied Physics to Biomedical Science, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Veladiano IA, Banzato T, Bellini L, Montani A, Catania S, Zotti A. Normal computed tomographic features and reference values for the coelomic cavity in pet parrots. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:182. [PMID: 27596377 PMCID: PMC5011859 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0821-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The increasing popularity gained by pet birds over recent decades has highlighted the role of avian medicine and surgery in the global veterinary scenario; such a need for speciality avian medical practice reflects the rising expectation for high-standard diagnostic imaging procedures. The aim of this study is to provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species. Results Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic studies of the coelomic cavity were performed in 5 blue-and-gold macaws, 4 African grey parrots and 6 monk parakeets by means of a 4-multidetector-row CT scanner. Both pre- and post-contrast scans were acquired. Anatomical reference cross-sections were obtained from 5 blue-and-gold macaw, 7 African grey parrot, and 9 monk parakeet cadavers. The specimens were stored in a −20 °C freezer until completely frozen and then sliced at 5-mm intervals by means of a band saw. All the slices were photographed on both sides. Individual anatomical structures were identified by means of the available literature. Pre- and post-contrast attenuation reference values for the main coelomic organs are reported in Hounsfield units (HU). Conclusions The results provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene A Veladiano
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy
| | - Tommaso Banzato
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy
| | - Luca Bellini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Catania
- Avian Medicine Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, 35020, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zotti
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, Legnaro (PD), 35020, Italy.
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Nardini G, Di Girolamo N, Leopardi S, Paganelli I, Zaghini A, Origgi FC, Vignoli M. Evaluation of liver parenchyma and perfusion using dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana) under general anesthesia. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:112. [PMID: 24885935 PMCID: PMC4032566 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging techniques are considered useful in veterinary and human medicine to evaluate liver perfusion and focal hepatic lesions. Although hepatic diseases are a common occurrence in reptile medicine, there is no reference to the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) to evaluate the liver in lizards. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of change in echogenicity and attenuation of the liver in green iguanas (Iguana iguana) after administration of specific contrast media. Results An increase in liver echogenicity and density was evident during CEUS and CECT, respectively. In CEUS, the mean ± SD (median; range) peak enhancement was 19.9% ± 7.5 (18.3; 11.7-34.6). Time to peak enhancement was 134.0 ± 125.1 (68.4; 59.6-364.5) seconds. During CECT, first visualization of the contrast medium was at 3.6 ± 0.5 (4; 3-4) seconds in the aorta, 10.7 ± 2.2 (10.5; 7-14) seconds in the hepatic arteries, and 15 ± 4.5 (14.5; 10-24) seconds in the liver parenchyma. Time to peak was 14.1 ± 3.4 (13; 11-21) and 31 ± 9.6 (29; 23-45) seconds in the aorta and the liver parenchyma, respectively. Conclusion CEUS and dynamic CECT are practical means to determine liver hemodynamics in green iguanas. Distribution of contrast medium in iguana differed from mammals. Specific reference ranges of hepatic perfusion for diagnostic evaluation of the liver in iguanas are necessary since the use of mammalian references may lead the clinician to formulate incorrect diagnostic suspicions.
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Alonso-Farré JM, Gonzalo-Orden M, Barreiro-Vázquez JD, Barreiro-Lois A, André M, Morell M, Llarena-Reino M, Monreal-Pawlowsky T, Degollada E. Cross-sectional anatomy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). Anat Histol Embryol 2014; 44:13-21. [PMID: 24527804 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to scan seven by-caught dolphin cadavers, belonging to two species: four common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and three striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). CT and MRI were obtained with the animals in ventral recumbency. After the imaging procedures, six dolphins were frozen at -20°C and sliced in the same position they were examined. Not only CT and MRI scans, but also cross sections of the heads were obtained in three body planes: transverse (slices of 1 cm thickness) in three dolphins, sagittal (5 cm thickness) in two dolphins and dorsal (5 cm thickness) in two dolphins. Relevant anatomical structures were identified and labelled on each cross section, obtaining a comprehensive bi-dimensional topographical anatomy guide of the main features of the common and the striped dolphin head. Furthermore, the anatomical cross sections were compared with their corresponding CT and MRI images, allowing an imaging identification of most of the anatomical features. CT scans produced an excellent definition of the bony and air-filled structures, while MRI allowed us to successfully identify most of the soft tissue structures in the dolphin's head. This paper provides a detailed anatomical description of the head structures of common and striped dolphins and compares anatomical cross sections with CT and MRI scans, becoming a reference guide for the interpretation of imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Alonso-Farré
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Parc Zoològic de Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella s/n, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
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Banzato T, Selleri P, Veladiano IA, Zotti A. Comparative Evaluation of the Cadaveric and Computed Tomographic Features of the Coelomic Cavity in the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), Black and White Tegu (Tupinambis merianae) and Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Anat Histol Embryol 2013; 42:453-60. [DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Banzato
- Radiology Unit; Clinical Section; Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health; University of Padua; Viale dell'Università 16, AGRIPOLIS 35020 Legnaro Padua Italy
| | - P. Selleri
- Clinic for Exotic Animals; Via Sandro Giovannini 53 00137 Rome Italy
| | - I. A. Veladiano
- Radiology Unit; Clinical Section; Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health; University of Padua; Viale dell'Università 16, AGRIPOLIS 35020 Legnaro Padua Italy
| | - A. Zotti
- Radiology Unit; Clinical Section; Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health; University of Padua; Viale dell'Università 16, AGRIPOLIS 35020 Legnaro Padua Italy
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Arencibia A, Hidalgo MR, Vázquez JM, Contreras S, Ramírez G, Orós J. Sectional anatomic and magnetic resonance imaging features of the head of juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Am J Vet Res 2012; 73:1119-27. [PMID: 22849670 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.73.8.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare anatomic features of cross-sectional specimens with those of MRI images of the heads of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). ANIMALS 5 cadavers of juvenile female loggerhead sea turtles. PROCEDURES Spin-echo T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI scans were obtained in sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes with a 0.2-T magnet and head coil. Head specimens were grossly dissected and photographed. Anatomic features of the MRI images were compared with those of gross anatomic sections of the heads from 4 of these turtles. RESULTS In the MRI images, anatomic details of the turtles' heads were identified by the characteristics of signal intensity of various tissues. Relevant anatomic structures were identified and labeled on the MRI images and corresponding anatomic sections. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The MRI images obtained through this study provided valid information on anatomic characteristics of the head in juvenile loggerhead sea turtles and should be useful for guiding clinical evaluation of this anatomic region in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Arencibia
- Department of Morphology, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.
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Jones MEH, Werneburg I, Curtis N, Penrose R, O'Higgins P, Fagan MJ, Evans SE. The head and neck anatomy of sea turtles (Cryptodira: Chelonioidea) and skull shape in Testudines. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47852. [PMID: 23144831 PMCID: PMC3492385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sea turtles (Chelonoidea) are a charismatic group of marine reptiles that occupy a range of important ecological roles. However, the diversity and evolution of their feeding anatomy remain incompletely known. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using computed tomography and classical comparative anatomy we describe the cranial anatomy in two sea turtles, the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), for a better understanding of sea turtle functional anatomy and morphological variation. In both taxa the temporal region of the skull is enclosed by bone and the jaw joint structure and muscle arrangement indicate that palinal jaw movement is possible. The tongue is relatively small, and the hyoid apparatus is not as conspicuous as in some freshwater aquatic turtles. We find several similarities between the muscles of C. caretta and L. kempii, but comparison with other turtles suggests only one of these characters may be derived: connection of the m. adductor mandibulae internus into the Pars intramandibularis via the Zwischensehne. The large fleshy origin of the m. adductor mandibulae externus Pars superficialis from the jugal seems to be a characteristic feature of sea turtles. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In C. caretta and L. kempii the ability to suction feed does not seem to be as well developed as that found in some freshwater aquatic turtles. Instead both have skulls suited to forceful biting. This is consistent with the observation that both taxa tend to feed on relatively slow moving but sometimes armoured prey. The broad fleshy origin of the m. adductor mandibulae externus Pars superficialis may be linked to thecheek region being almost fully enclosed in bone but the relationship is complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc E H Jones
- Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UCL, University College London, London, England, United Kingdom.
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12
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Banzato T, Russo E, Di Toma A, Palmisano G, Zotti A. Evaluation of radiographic, computed tomographic, and cadaveric anatomy of the head of boa constrictors. Am J Vet Res 2012; 72:1592-9. [PMID: 22126686 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.72.12.1592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the radiographic, computed tomographic (CT), and cadaveric anatomy of the head of boa constrictors. ANIMALS 4 Boa constrictor imperator cadavers. PROCEDURES Cadavers weighed 3.4 to 5.6 kg and had a body length ranging from 189 to 221 cm. Radiographic and CT images were obtained with a high-detail screen-film combination, and conventional CT was performed with a slice thickness of 1.5 mm. Radiographic images were obtained in ventrodorsal, dorsoventral, and left and right laterolateral recumbency; CT images were obtained with the animals positioned in ventral recumbency directly laying on a plastic support. At the end of the radiographic and CT imaging session, 2 heads were sectioned following a stratigraphic approach; the other 2, carefully maintained in the same position on the plastic support, were moved into a freezer (-20°C) until completely frozen and then sectioned into 3-mm slices, respecting the imaging protocol. The frozen sections were cleaned and then photographed on each side. Anatomic structures were identified and labeled on gross anatomic images and on the corresponding CT or radiographic image with the aid of available literature. RESULTS Radiographic and CT images provided high detail for visualization of bony structures; soft tissues were not easily identified on radiographic and CT images. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results provide an atlas of stratigraphic and cross-sectional gross anatomy and radiographic and CT anatomy of the heads of boa constrictors that might be useful in the interpretation of any imaging modality in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Banzato
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Radiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Padua, Agripolis, 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy
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