SKELETAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE FORELIMB OF MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA
SKELETAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE FORELIMB OF MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA
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三趾食蚁兽前肢的骨骼形态
DOI：
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发表时间：
2015
影响因子：
0.7
通讯作者：
C. R. Teixeira
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
N. F. Sesoko;S. Rahal;Z. Bortolini;L. P. de Souza;L. Vulcano;F. O. B. Monteiro;C. R. Teixeira
摘要： 食蚁兽的前肢在形态上适应于获取食物，并提供防御和运动。已知有四种，但很少有解剖学研究呈现每一种的形态特征。本研究的目的是描述巨型食蚁兽(Myrmecopaga Tridactyla)前肢的骨骼形态。制作了6具身体的照片和示意图，以显示骨骼的形态。此外，还获得了X线片和计算机体层摄影。前肢的骨骼结构有几个显著的解剖学特征。肩胛骨有两根刺，婴儿和成年动物之间有明显的区别。肱骨有一个胸骨脊、一个胸骨结节和一个明显的内侧上髁，它代表了对化石活动很重要的肌肉的起源。桡骨有颅脊、侧脊和尾脊，在老年动物中变得更加突出，远端髁突关节为手骨提供了更强的背侧关节支持。对前肢骨骼形态的了解有助于更好地了解巨型食蚁兽的习性，有助于骨骼异常的诊断和对该物种的常规医学评估。
Abstract: Anteater forelimbs are morphologically adapted to obtain food and to provide defense and locomotion. Four species are known, but there are few anatomical studies presenting the morphologic features of each species. The aim of this study was to describe the skeletal morphology of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) forelimb. Pictures and schematic drawings of six cadavers were created to show the bone morphology. In addition, radiographs and computed tomographs were obtained. The skeletal structure of the forelimb had several notable anatomical features. The scapula had two spines, with apparent differences between infant and adult animals. The humerus had a pectoral ridge, a pectoral tubercle, and a pronounced medial epicondyle that represent the origins of muscles important for fossorial activity. The radius had cranial, lateral, and caudal ridges that became more prominent in older animals, and the distal condyle joint provided enhanced support of the dorsal articulation for the manus. Knowledge of the bone morphology of the forelimb generates a better understanding of giant anteater habits and helps in the diagnosis of skeletal abnormalities and in the routine medical assessment of this species.