Macroscopic and histological aspects of the pharynx and larynx of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758).

Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is an endangered species that resides in much of Latin America, but it has been losing its habitat, especially in the Cerrado biome, where it constantly suffers traumas resulting from fires and roadkill. The anatomical knowledge of structures of the respiratory system is important for a better morphophysiological understanding of the species. Thus, this study aimed to perform the macroscopic and histomorphological description of the pharynx and larynx of the giant anteater. Twelve adult giant anteaters were used, three of them fixed in buffered formalin for further dissection and pharynx and larynx macroscopic analysis of structures. From the other animals, samples of the pharynx and larynx were collected and prepared for histological evaluation under optical microscope. Macroscopically, their pharynx and soft palate are extensive, and the anatomical location of these structures and the larynx differs greatly from that described in other species. The larynx, although more caudal, was similar to that of other animals. Histologically, the epithelium of these regions varied between the pseudostratified ciliated columnar and the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Laryngeal cartilages were composed of elastic (epiglotti) and hyaline cartilages (arytenoid, cricoid and thyroid cartilage), with an ossification process and glandular clusters around the hyaline cartilage. The distinct anatomical location of the pharynx and larynx of Myrmecophaga tridactyla is the main macroscopic finding of this study, besides the length of the pharynx and soft palate of these animals.

Cranial osteology of a juvenile specimen of Acratocnus ye (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Folivora) and its ontogenetic and phylogenetic implications.

The present study comprises a description of the skull and jaw anatomy of a juvenile specimen of the Antillean sloth Acratocnus ye, from the Holocene of Haiti. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided of the skull bones and their sutural connections, which normally fuse in adults. Descriptions are also provided for the mandible and ear ossicles, as well as endocranial surfaces and sinuses exposed by breaks. The anatomy of our juvenile A. ye is compared to that of adult A. ye to assess ontogenetic changes in the skull. Several of these ontogenetic features are significant new observations that impact the relationships within Xenarthra as a whole, or between Xenarthrans and other placental mammals, most notably, the presence of a separate mesethmoid element, the presence of alveoli for a lower deciduous canine and anterior incisor, and the presence of separate rostral and caudal entotympanic elements. A full list of such changes are provided. In addition, the specimen provides information on phylogenetically relevant characters, including features unique to the genus Acratocnus, and features of the clade Choloepodini, including Acratocnus, the smaller extinct Antillean sloth Neocnus, and the extant two-toed sloth Choloepus. Contrary to previous studies, Acratocnus shares as many features with Choloepus as it does with its fellow Antillean form Neocnus in the present study, which is consistent with current morphology-based phylogenetic hypotheses regarding the relationships within Choloepodini. The current study highlights the need for further anatomical and phylogenetic investigations of Antillean sloths (Megalocnidae/Megalonychidae), and juvenile sloths in general.

Computed tomography and anatomy of the abdominal structures in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is the largest of the Neotropical vermilinguans. This animal is the second mammal most frequently run over on the roads of Cerrado biome, Brazil. Therefore, it is pivotal to know the anatomy of this species to contribute to the clinical care of these animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the anatomical structures in the abdominal region of the giant anteater using computed tomography (CT). For this, the tomographic analysis was performed in sequential order in the craniocaudal direction in five giant anteaters. Moreover, four giant anteater corpses were used for anatomical studies, where two corpses were sectioned in cross sections of approximately 3 cm each, and two animals were dissected to identify the abdominal organs. The association between CT and anatomical study allowed the visualization of anatomical structures found in the abdominal cavity, such as the topographic anatomy facilitates the identification of organs on CT images. The findings of this study demonstrated that CT is a good technique to provide detailed information about the anatomical structures in the abdominal cavity and that this study can be used as CT and anatomical reference for veterinarians who care for wild animals.

Evolutionary adaptations in the flexor digitorum profundus muscle in Tamandua mexicana (Xenarthra, Myrmecophagidae).

The northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) is a neotropical mammal of the order Pilosa, suborder Vermilingua, and family Myrmecophagidae. This species has anatomical and functional adaptations in its forelimb for semiarboreal quadrupedal locomotion. Several studies have reported that the medial head of the triceps brachii and flexor digitorum profundus muscles are fused in species belonging to the family Myrmecophagidae. However, there is no reference to the innervation in these. The triceps brachii muscle is commonly innervated by the radial nerve and the flexor digitorum profundus muscle by the ulnar and median nerves. This study aims to describe the gross anatomy of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle in Tamandua mexicana with respect to the shape, origin, insertion, innervation, and arterial supply. Both forelimbs of nine specimens were used, which were dissected from superficial to deep layers. The formalin-fixed caudomedial forearm muscles were weighed, and the weight percentages of individual forearm muscle specimens were calculated. The flexor digitorum profundus had the highest weight among the forearm muscles and consisted of five heads (three humerals, one radial, and one ulnar). These heads were innervated by median and ulnar nerves; therefore, based on the innervation pattern, we concluded that the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle is not fused with the flexor digitorum profundus. Therefore, the flexor digitorum profundus muscle is highly developed in Tamandua and occupies the caudal part of the arm and forearm, which is an evolutionary adaptation that could have occurred during evolution from the common ancestor of Tamandua and Myrmecophaga.

Heart structure and coronary blood supply of the Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

The structure of the heart and the coronary blood supply of wild mammals, including that of threatened species, are poorly understood. This study set out to describe the heart, aortic arch branching and coronary distribution of Myrmecophaga tridactyla, and to compare it with anatomical descriptions of other Xenarthra given elsewhere. Eight adult giant anteater cadaveric specimens were used in this study. Morphological features of the heart and coronary blood supply were examined using gross dissection as well as latex and cast preparations. The heart lied in the median plane of the thoracic cavity and corresponded to a cone-shape structure with a rounded apex facing left. The internal chambers of the heart comprised the same structures described in other mammals. Two different patterns of coronary blood supply were observed in the giant anteater. Hence, it can be concluded that the three species of Xenarthra share the same heart structure described in other mammals to date. Aortic arch branches and variations in coronary blood supply in this study have been described in carnivores, particularly the cat and the galea. The branching pattern of the coronary artery differed from that of other mammals and may be specific to Myrmecophaga tridactyla. Morphological description of the heart of the giant anteater and comparison with morphological features of other mammals, especially Xenarthra, may assist in phylogenetic analysis and provide significant contributions to clinical anatomy of practical procedures.

Xenarthras: topografia intestinal e relações vasculares com a serosa / [Xenarthras: intestinal topography and vascular relationships with serosa]

Xenarthras (Mammalia, Dasypodidae) das espécies Dasypus novemcinctus e Euphractus sexcinctus tiveram sua anatomia científica estudada em relação à topografia dos intestinos delgado e grosso, suas relações peritoniais, morfologia externa e irrigação. Medidas dos diferentes segmentos intestinais e do número de vasos a eles destinados foram tomadas para fins comparativos. O método previu: fixação (formol 7%); injeção de látex; dissecação e fotodocumentação. Espacialmente, embora os intestinos sejam fixados por dupla membrana peritoneal, como em outros vertebrados, nestes a serosa conectou o duodeno, o jejuno, o íleo e os cólons em um único ligamento fixado no dorso do animal. Duodeno e pâncreas, intraperitoniais, como o reto, fixaram-se nas pelves maior e menor, respectivamente e dorsalmente. Vasos derivados do tronco celíaco mesentérico e da aorta percorreram o interior do mesoduodeno, do mesentério comum, do mesocólon e do mesorreto, estando estes, ao longo de seus trajetos, relacionados às cadeias linfonodulares intestinais. O modelo de rotação peritoneal, a morfologia externa, bem como o modelo de vascularização intestinal, foram interpretados como basais, diferindo dos vertebrados recentes, conforme o suporte literário.(AU)

Xenarthras (Mammalia, Dasypodidae) of the species Dasypus novemcinctus and Euphractus sexcinctus had their scientific anatomy studied in relation to the topography of the small and large intestines, their peritoneal relationships, external morphology and irrigation. Measurements of the different intestinal segments and the number of vessels destined for them were taken for comparative purposes. The method predicted: fixation (7% formaldehyde); latex injection; dissection and photo documentation. Spatially, the intestines, although fixed by a double peritoneal membrane, as in other vertebrates, in these, the serosa connected the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and the colon in a single ligament fixed to the animal's back. Duodenum and pancreas, intraperitoneal, like the rectum, were fixed in the major and minor pelvis respectively and dorsally. Vessels derived from the mesenteric celiac trunk and the aorta traveled through the interior of the mesoduodenum, common mesentery, mesocolon and mesoride, being related to the lymph node chains along their pathways. The peritoneal rotation model, the external morphology as well as the model of intestinal vascularization were interpreted as basal, differing from recent vertebrates, according to literary support.(AU)

Gregariousness in the giant sloth Lestodon (Xenarthra): multi-proxy approach of a bonebed from the Last Maximum Glacial of Argentine Pampas.

Megamammals constituted an important component in the Pleistocene faunal communities of South America. Paleobiological and paleoecological studies involving different megamammal taxa have increased significantly in the last years, but there are still several poorly-known issues of its life history. In this work, we analyze an assemblage composed of 13 individuals of different ontogenetic stages, and possibly different sex, belonging to the giant ground sloth Lestodon armatus (Xenarthra, Folivora), recovered from Playa del Barco site (Pampean Region, Argentina). A dating of 19,849 years Cal BP allows assigning this assemblage to a period of the MIS (Marine Isotope Stage) 2 related to the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. Based on multiple lines of research (e.g. taphonomy, paleopathology, osteohistology, isotopy), we interpret the origin of the assemblage and diverse paleobiological and paleoecological aspects (e.g. social behavior, ontogenetic changes, sexual dimorphism, diseases, resource and habitat use, trophic relationships) of L. armatus. Evidence suggests that the assemblage was formed by a local single event of catastrophic mortality, which affected different members of a social group. This record represents the first accurate evidence of gregariousness for this ground sloth, providing new data on a poorly-known behavior among extinct Folivora.

RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE FORELIMB IN THE NORTHERN TAMANDUA (TAMANDUA MEXICANA).

The thoracic limb anatomy of anteaters in the family Myrmecophagidae is specialized for accessing termite and ant nests and for defense purposes. In the case of the northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana), the forelimbs are also adapted for arboreal and terrestrial locomotion. Unfortunately, this species faces many conservation threats, such as habitat loss and traffic accidents, and injured individuals are frequently taken to wildlife rehabilitation centers. However, lack of knowledge of the radiographic osteoanatomy of this species may prevent appropriate management of injuries and thereby reduce the chances of successful release and survival. In order to fill this knowledge gap, this article describes for the first time the radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the northern tamandua using four standard views and one additional view. The additional orthogonal view helps visualize structures, such as the hamatus process and the sesamoid bone, that are otherwise difficult to visualize due to the natural forearm position of anteaters. Additionally, some fractures and physeal growth plates were identified in one juvenile individual. Further radiographic investigations should be conducted on anteaters to provide more tools for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of these animals.

Ultrasound evaluation of female reproductive system in free ranging Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): case report / Avaliação ultrassonográfica do sistema reprodutor feminino em tamanduá-bandeira de vida livre (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): relato de caso

An adult, female, 31kg body weight, free range Myrmecophaga tridactyla was referred for medical consultation due to apathy, dehydration, intense flatulence and fetid stools. The animal was submitted to chemical restraint and physical examination, blood count, fecal analysis, and vaginal cytology and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. Good nutritional status and clinical variables within the normal range were observed at physical examination. At vaginal cytology leukocytes, spermatozoa and a large proportion of cornified cells (superficial) were observed, indicating estrus and recent copula. At ultrasound examination it was possible to locate, identify, evaluate and measure the ovaries and the uterine structures, cervix, body, lumen, myometrium and endometrium, a fact never reported in the literature for this species. These data can be used as reference for clinical evaluation of the reproductive tract in Myrmecophaga tridactyla females considered vulnerable species, for the diagnosis of reproductive pathologies, biotechnologies application or estrous cycle evaluation.(AU)

Uma fêmea, com 31kg de peso corporal, de Myrmecophaga tridactyla, de vida livre, foi apresentada para consulta médica em razão de apatia, desidratação, flatulência intensa e fezes fétidas. O animal foi submetido à contenção química e foram realizados exame físico, hemograma, análise fecal, citologia vaginal e ultrassonografia abdominal. Ao exame físico, foi determinado bom estado nutricional e variáveis clínicas dentro da faixa de normalidade. Na citologia vaginal, foram observados leucócitos, espermatozoides e uma grande proporção de células cornificadas (superficiais), indicando estro e cópula recente. No exame ultrassonográfico, foi possível localizar, identificar, avaliar e mensurar os ovários e as estruturas uterinas, o colo do útero, o corpo do útero, o lúmen, o miométrio e o endométrio, fato nunca relatado na literatura para essa espécie. Esses dados podem ser utilizados como referência para avaliação clínica do trato reprodutivo de fêmeas de Myrmecophaga tridactyla considerada espécie vulnerável, para o diagnóstico de patologias reprodutivas, aplicação de biotecnologias ou avaliação do ciclo estral.(AU)

Brain anatomy of two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus, Linnaeus, 1758): A comparative gross anatomical study of extant xenarthrans.

The neural system plays an important role in understanding some features of animals. Anatomical complexity correlates with the increase of functional capacity. Xenarthrans include anteaters (Vermilingua), armadillos (Cingulata) and sloths (Folivora). This group is the base of eutherian mammals, and understanding the anatomy of its neural system could provide data for functional and evolutionary interpretations. The gross anatomy of the xenarthran brain is recorded. Four extant families of Pilosa and two families of Cingulata were sampled. Usual dissection procedures were used, and the brains were analysed macroscopically. The brain of two-toed sloth, three-toed sloth, six-banded armadillo, giant anteater and collared anteater are gyrencephalic. Pygmy anteater, nine-banded armadillo, great long-nosed armadillo, southern naked-tailed armadillo and giant armadillo are lissencephalic. In most species, the rhinal fissure presents two segments, rostral and caudal (except in Vermilingua and three-toed sloth). The diencephalon and brainstem present similar anatomy. The cerebellum is wide and presents four lobes (rostral, central, caudal and floccular). Its average volume is 12.16% (Folivora), 14.26% (Vermilingua) and 18.61% (Cingulata). Among these groups, there is a statistical difference between Folivora/Cingulata concerning the cerebellum average. The general pattern of the brain of the xenarthrans is similar to that of other mammals.

Topography and syntopy of abdominopelvic viscera of the giant anteater (Myrmecophage tridactyla - Linnaeus, 1758) / Topografia e sintopia das vísceras abdominopélvicas do tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophage tridactyla - Linnaeus, 1758)

In view of the scarcity of data about the topography and syntopy of abdominopelvic viscera of the giant anteater (Myrmecophage tridactyla - Linnaeus, 1758), the present study aimed to elucidate these characteristics and to compare them with the other animal species, especially the domestic ones. Three specimens, two males and one female, were donated by the Environmental Military Police of Franca to the Anatomy Veterinary Laboratory of the University of Franca, after death by road killings. The animals were fixed and maintained in aqueous 10% formaldehyde solution, followed by conventional dissection of the abdominopelvic cavities for subsequent direct inspection and topographic description of the viscera, aiming at comparative analyzes with other species, whose positioning and particularities are already established in the literature. It was observed that most of the viscera of these cavities have similar location and syntopy to domestic animals, except for the kidneys and testicles. In view of the established methodology and the results obtained, it is accepted that more specimens of anteater, both genera, should be evaluated and registered scientifically to confirm the data of the current research and anatomical preconization of the abdominopelvic cavity, inasmuch anatomical individual variation are possible between animals of the same species.(AU)

Diante da escassez de dados sobre a topografia e a sintopia das vísceras abdominopélvicas do tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophage tridactyla - Linnaeus, 1758), o presente estudo teve como objetivo elucidar essas características e compará-las com as demais espécies animais, mormente as domésticas. Utilizaram-se três espécimes, dois machos e uma fêmea, provenientes de doação da Polícia Militar Ambiental de Franca ao Laboratório de Anatomia Veterinária da Universidade de Franca, após óbitos por atropelamentos. Os animais foram fixados e mantidos em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%, seguidos de dissecação convencional das cavidades abdominopélvicas para posterior inspeção direta e descrição topográfica das vísceras, visando a análises comparativas com outras espécies, cujo posicionamento e cujas particularidades já são bem estabelecidos na literatura. Observou-se que a maioria das vísceras dessas cavidades possuem localização e sintopia similares aos animais domésticos, exceto os rins e os testículos. Diante da metodologia estabelecida e dos resultados obtidos, admite-se que mais espécimes de tamanduás-bandeiras, de ambos os gêneros, devam ser avaliados e registrados cientificamente, visando à confirmação dos dados da atual pesquisa e à preconização anatômica da cavidade abdominopélvica, visto que variações anatômicas individuais são passíveis entre animais da mesma espécie.(AU)

Osteoderm microstructure of Riostegotherium yanei, the oldest Xenarthra.

Abstract: Riostegotherium yanei from the Itaboraí Basin, Brazil, is the oldest known Xenarthra. This paper aims to describe the internal morphology of the osteoderms of Riostegotherium yanei from the perspective of histology and micro-CT approaches, expanding the available data on cingulate osteoderm microstructure. Seven osteoderms of R. yanei were used for the internal microstructure description and eight of Dasypus novemcinctus for comparison. The osteoderms of Riostegotherium yanei lacks the diploë-like structure typical of glyptodonts but has a three-layered structure composed of two layers of non-Haversian compact bone enclosing a central layer of primary and secondary osteons. This internal organization is distinct from other Astegotheriini of comparable age, but similar to Dasypus. The 3D reconstruction of Riostegotherium yanei revealed two patterns of internal organization. Pattern 1 of movable osteoderm is composed of large remodeled areas at the base and a more compact bone at the tongue; in Pattern 2 (both movable and buckler), the internal cavities are much smaller, more numerous, and more interconnected to each other. In one buckler osteoderm, the cavities are organized somewhat radially with a compact central region (Pattern 1). Pattern 1 of both movable and buckler osteoderms resemble that of Dasypus.

Evolutionary aspects on the origin, distribution and ramifications of the ischiadicus nerve in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) / Aspectos evolutivos sobre as origens, distribuições e ramificações dos nervos isquiáticos do tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

This work aimed to describe the origin, distribution, and ramifications of the ischiadicus nerve in the giant anteater and to provide anatomical data which could explain not only the evolutionary aspects but also provide important information for other related works. For the present study, four specimens were used, prepared by perfusion of 10% formaldehyde solution via the femoral artery, for conservation and dissection. The origin of the right and left ischiadicus nerves in the giant anteater from the ventral ramification of the third lumbar (L3) and the first (S1), second (S2), and third (S3) sacral spinal nerves. These nerves were symmetrical in all animals studied. The distribution and ramification occurred to the superficial, middle, and deep gluteal, gemelli, piriform, quadratus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, caudal crural abductor, cranial and caudal parts of the biceps femoris, adductor, semitendinous, and cranial and caudal parts of the semimembranous muscles. Based on the origins of the ischiadicus nerves, there is a caudal migration in the nerve location in animals in a more recent position on the evolutionary scale due to reconfiguration of the lumbosacral plexus, resulting from the increase in a number of lumbar vertebrae. There is no complete homology of the muscle innervation.(AU)

Objetivou-se descrever as origens, distribuições e ramificações dos nervos isquiáticos no tamanduá-bandeira, disponibilizando, assim, dados anatômicos que possam não só elucidar os aspectos evolutivos como também fornecer informações importantes para áreas afins. Foram utilizados quatro espécimes preparados por meio da perfusão de formaldeído 10% via artéria femoral, para conservação e dissecação. As origens dos nervos isquiáticos direito e esquerdo no tamanduá-bandeira foram provenientes dos ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais lombares três e sacrais um, dois e três, sendo simétricos em todos os animais estudados. As distribuições e ramificações ocorreram nos músculos glúteos superficial, médio e profundo; gêmeo; piriforme; quadrado femoral; tensor da fáscia lata; abdutor crural caudal; bíceps femoral parte cranial; bíceps femoral parte caudal; adutor; semitendíneo; semimembranáceo parte cranial e semimembranáceo parte caudal. Notou-se que houve uma migração caudal na localização deste nervo nos animais mais recentes na escala evolutiva, devido a uma reconfiguração do plexo lombossacral decorrente do aumento no número de vértebras lombares, não havendo uma homologia total quanto à inervação dos músculos.(AU)

Anátomo-radiografia dos ossos longos do membro torácico do Tamandua tetradactyla / Anatomo-radiography of long-bones in thoracic limb ofTamandua tetradactyla

Objetivou-se descrever os acidentes anatômicos dos ossos longos do membro torácico de Tamandua tetradactyla por meio de análises macroscópicas e radiográficas. Foram utilizados 34 espécimes, que foram a óbito por atropelamento. A avaliação do úmero demonstrou as mesmas estruturas presentes nos animais domésticos, além de outras sem prévia descrição. Já no antebraço, rádio e ulna se apresentaram completamente separados, e apesar de, como o úmero, serem identificados alguns dos mesmos acidentes anatômicos descritos em outras espécies, também notamos particularidades. Todas as estruturas descritas na análise macroscópica foram identificadas à radiografia, quando realizada em pelo menos duas projeções ortogonais. As estruturas anátomo-radiográficas dos ossos longos do T. tetradactyla demonstraram grande variação anatômica em comparação a outros mamíferos, o que torna a referida espécie muito singular. Assim o conhecimento de suas particularidades é fundamental para abordagens clínico-cirúrgicas mais seguras.

The objective was to describe the anatomical accidents of the long bones of the thoracic limb of Tamandua tetradactyla by means of macroscopic and radiographic analyzes. We used 34 specimens, which were deaths by running over. Evaluation of the humerus demonstrated the same structures present in domestic animals, besides others without previous description. In the forearm, radius and ulna were completely separated, and although, like the humerus, some of the same anatomical accidents described in other species were identified, we also noticed particularities. All the structures described in the macroscopic analysis were identified on radiography, when performed in at least two orthogonal projections. The anatomic-radiographic structures of the long bones of T. tetradactyla showed great anatomical variation compared to other mammals, which makes the species very unique. Thus knowledge of their particularities is fundamental for safer clinical-surgical approaches.

Morphological description of smell glands in Cyclopes didactylus.

A macroscopic and microscopic study of the mandibular organ of the silky anteater (Cyclopes didactylus) was carried out. The organ extends from below the zygomatic bone line to the middle of the mandible body, between the skin and the masseter muscle, on both sides of the animal. It has an average length of 11.7 mm and a width of 6.3 mm. In the mesoscopic analysis, it was observed that the organ presents in yellowish color due to the high amount of sebaceous content. In the histological analysis, the mandibular organ was observed to be composed of innumerable alveoli of the specialized sebaceous gland, surrounded by a layer of adventitia tunica. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed an apparent alveolar division with what appeared to be a sulcus at its center. The information here presented regarding the constitution and location of this structure has not been previously explored for other species and differs with respect to other descriptions for anteaters. Based on the present study, it is suggested that the mandibular organ is involved in social interaction in this species.

Characterization of coronary arteries in Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla: Myrmecophagidae) / Caracterização da artéria coronária em tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla: Myrmecophagidae)]

Were used twelve (12) adult anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), adults, 6 (six) males and 6 (six) females, weighing from 20 to 27.32kg from free life. The thoracic cavity was opened until visualization of the whole heart and lungs and later injection of the coronary vessels. The right coronary artery emerged through a single coronary ostium of the aorta, 50%, emitting the intermediate branch and the subsinuous interventricular branch, had a path directed to the subsurface interventricular groove. In the other 50%, the right coronary artery was not present, showing only its branches, intermediate branch and subsurface interventricular branch with emergence of the aorta. Left coronary artery presented, in 83.33%, origin from the aorta in single ostium, issuing the circumflex and interventricular paraconal branches. In 16.66%, the left coronary artery was not evidenced originating from the aorta, but its branches, circumflex and interventricular paraconal.(AU)

Foram utilizados 12 tamanduás-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), adultos, sendo seis machos e seis fêmeas, pesando de 20 a 27,32kg, provenientes de vida livre. Foi realizada abertura da cavidade torácica até a visualização do conjunto coração e pulmões e, posteriormente, injeção dos vasos coronários. A artéria coronária direita emergia, 50% dela, por um único óstio coronário da aorta, emitindo o ramo intermédio e o ramo interventricular subsinuoso; tinha trajeto direcionado ao sulco interventricular subsinuoso. Nos outros 50%, a artéria coronária direita não estava presente, exibindo somente seus ramos, ramo intermédio e ramo interventricular subsinuoso com emergência da aorta. A artéria coronária esquerda apresentou, em 83,33%, origem a partir da aorta em óstio único, emitindo os ramos circunflexo e interventricular paraconal. Em 16,66%, a artéria coronária esquerda não foi evidenciada originando-se da aorta, mas, sim, de seus ramos, circunflexo e interventricular paraconal.(AU)

The lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) is not tetradactyla, but pentadactyla.

The name of the species tetradactyla means "four digits." In the literature, the hand of the lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) is described as having four digits (I, II, III and IV) with the absence of a fifth digit. The purpose of this study was to carry out an update adequately proposing an anatomical description of the T. tetradactyla hand. The present findings were analysed on the validation of Morse's law for this species. In total, seven male cadavers were radiographed and dissected. We observed that the hand of the T. tetradactyla was formed by a carpus containing four bones in the proximal row, which in the medium lateral direction was the radial, intermediate, ulnar and accessory bones of the carpus, and the distal row was formed by carpal bones I, II, III and IV. There were five metacarpal bones (I, II, III, IV and V). The presence of five digits was verified but not confirmed with the literature. Digit I had two phalanges, the proximal and distal; digits II, III and IV had three phalanges: proximal, middle and distal. Digit five had only one phalanx, the proximal, but it was not externally visible. According to the findings of this study, the presence of the fifth digit raises the question of whether the term tetradactyla is the most appropriate to describe this species. This rudimentary fifth digit and the presence of a functional first digit show that the Morse's law does not applies for the T. tetradactyla species.

A review of the Quaternary Scelidotheriinae (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Tardigrada) from the Tarija-Padcaya basin, Bolivia.

The Mylodontidae Scelidotheriinae (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Tardigrada) are a diversified clade of South American fossil ground sloths, with a wide geographic distribution, especially in high and middle latitudes. According to the last revision, the Quaternary diversity includes the genera Scelidotherium, Catonyx, and Valgipes. The clade Scelidotheriinae is well represented in the Pleistocene of the Tarija-Padcaya basin, and the first mention of these ground sloths correspond to the middle of the XIX Century. Since then, several species (i.e., Scelidotherium tarijensis, Scelidodon tarijensis, Scelidotherium capellini) have been reported as inhabiting the Tarija-Padcaya basin during the Pleistocene. Despite the abundance of fossil records of Scelidotheriinae in this area, no modern taxonomic revisions are available. In consequence, in this contribution a revision of the remains assigned to Scelidotheriinae from the Tarija-Padcaya basin is accomplished, and some biostratigraphic and geographic implications are discussed. Our results show that one single species (Catonyx tarijensis) can be recognized in the studied area, whereas a supposed smaller one (Scelidotherium patrium) actually corresponds to juvenile specimens of C. tarijensis.

Macroscopic and microscopic study of the tongue of the aardvark (Orycteropus afer, Orycteropodidae).

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the tongue in the aardvark (Orycteropus afer). The tongues from one adult and one three-week old aardvark females and one neonate aardvark were studied. The tongue was elongated in the adult and young aardvarks and had a triangular apex in the rostral part of the tongue. Its dorsal surface was covered by numerous papillae divided into mechanical papillae, present in the form of abundant conical or drop-like filiform papillae, and taste papillae in the form of numerous fungiform papillae and three vallate papillae arranged in a V-shape in the caudal part of the tongue (one papilla was located centrally and caudally with respect to the remaining two papillae). The vallate papillae were round with conical pseudopapillae on their surface. They were surrounded by an annular pad, which was formed by filiform papillae with conical tip. Numerous openings of barrel-shaped taste buds were present in the epithelium covering the surface of fungiform papillae, and in the epithelium of inner walls of the vallate papillae. The serous von Ebner`s glands were located beneath the vallate papillae. The mucoserous Weber`s glands were PAS, AB pH2.5, pH1.0 and AB/PAS positive and HDI-weakly positive.

ANATOMY, HISTOLOGY, AND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING OF THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF MALE AARDVARK ( ORYCTEROPUS AFER).

The reproductive tracts of three captive male aardvark ( Orycteropus afer) were evaluated to characterize the gross and histological anatomy, with correlations to ultrasonographic and computed tomographic imaging. Observations were made from a reproductive tract examined at necropsy, with subsequent evaluation of tissues histologically. Two living specimens were evaluated via ultrasonography with a 10-MHz linear transducer. One living animal was also evaluated via computed tomography. Prominent external scent glands were present at the base of the prepuce. Testicles were present internally at the level of the inguinal canal and capable of sliding into a subcutaneous position. Accessory sex glands consisted of seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, with histological characteristics similar to other species. Ultrasonography was an effective tool for evaluation of internal and external reproductive structures, while the usefulness of computed tomography was limited in the evaluation of pelvic organs due to artifact from nearby bony structures. While a larger study population is desirable, this report provides an important comparative anatomical reference and will help improve the clinical management and care of this species.