Comparative Anatomy of the Bony Labyrinth (Inner Ear) of Placental Mammals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Variation is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is observable at all levels of morphology, from anatomical variations of DNA molecules to gross variations between whole organisms. The structure of the otic region is no exception. The present paper documents the broad morphological diversity exhibited by the inner ear region of placental mammals using digital endocasts constructed from high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT). Descriptions cover the major placental clades, and linear, angular, and volumetric dimensions are reported.

Principal findings

The size of the labyrinth is correlated to the overall body mass of individuals, such that large bodied mammals have absolutely larger labyrinths. The ratio between the average arc radius of curvature of the

SUBMITTER: Ekdale EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3689836 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature