Gross Description and Osteometrics of the Axial Skeleton (Ribs and Vertebrae) of Eidolon Helvum (African Fruit Bat).

ABSTRACT

The Eidolon helvum is a straw coloured fruit bat, also known as the African fruit bat. This study details theanatomical peculiarities, gross description and morphometrics of the ribs. Fifteen adult bats were used for this study. Thevertebral formula was C7T13-14L3-4S7Cd3-4. Spinous process was rudimentary on thoracic vertebrae 1 to 7. The numbers ofthe ribs ranged from 13 to 14, with the longest being rib 7, and the shortest being rib 14. Twenty percent of the males and50% of the females had 14 ribs; the male and one female had the 14th rib being unilateral (present on the right side of maleand left side of female). The first rib did not articulate directly with the sternum, but through a connecting triangular-shapedbone. The thoracic inlet and outlet were larger in males, relative to the females (inlet height - males 21.82 ± 2.68 mm,females 20.44 ± 4.91 mm; outlet height - males 36.46 ± 3.76 mm, females 33.23 ± 4.33 mm). The sternum was segmented,five in number and had a ventral elongation like the avian keel. Data obtained may find application in comparative andapplied anatomy, and forensic medicine.