Anatomic geometry of sound transmission and reception in Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris).
Anat Rec (Hoboken)
; 291(4): 353-78, 2008 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18228579
ABSTRACT
This study uses remote imaging technology to quantify, compare, and contrast the cephalic anatomy between a neonate female and a young adult male Cuvier's beaked whale. Primary results reveal details of anatomic geometry with implications for acoustic function and diving. Specifically, we describe the juxtaposition of the large pterygoid sinuses, a fibrous venous plexus, and a lipid-rich pathway that connects the acoustic environment to the bony ear complex. We surmise that the large pterygoid air sinuses are essential adaptations for maintaining acoustic isolation and auditory acuity of the ears at depth. In the adult male, an acoustic waveguide lined with pachyosteosclerotic bones is apparently part of a novel transmission pathway for outgoing biosonar signals. Substitution of dense tissue boundaries where we normally find air sacs in delphinoids appears to be a recurring theme in deep-diving beaked whales and sperm whales. The anatomic configuration of the adult male Ziphius forehead resembles an upside-down sperm whale nose and may be its functional equivalent, but the homologous relationships between forehead structures are equivocal.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Crânio
/
Vocalização Animal
/
Baleias
/
Processamento de Imagem Assistida por Computador
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Anat Rec (Hoboken)
Assunto da revista:
ANATOMIA
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos