Understanding the anatomy of the avian nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is essential for diagnosing respiratory diseases and interpreting imaging findings. However, detailed tomographic descriptions of these structures are scarce in seabirds. This study aimed to provide an anatomical and radiological characterization of the nasal cavity and associated sinuses of the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis atlantis). Computed tomography (CT) was performed on eight cadaveric specimens using a 16-slice helical scanner with bone and pulmonary window settings. Anatomical cross-sections of the same heads were subsequently obtained to correlate and validate CT findings. CT imaging clearly delineated major nasal structures, including the rostral, middle, and caudal nasal conchae, the nasal septum, and the infraorbital sinus, as well as their connections to adjacent cranial bones. The integration of CT and anatomical cross-sections provided detailed spatial relationships and accurate visualization of the internal nasal architecture. This study demonstrates the value of CT for examining avian cranial anatomy and provides a morphological reference framework that may aid in diagnosing nasal and sinus pathologies in seabirds.
In this research, we have studied the head of the six-banded armadillo, applying advanced imaging techniques such as CT and MRI. Furthermore, by combining the images obtained through these techniques with anatomical cross sections, we present an adequate description of the structures that constitute the head of this species. This anatomical information could provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of different desorders in six-banded armadillo including skull malformations, fractures, and neoplasia.
The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is one of the most frequently admitted seabirds to wildlife rehabilitation centers in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. Despite its clinical relevance, detailed computed tomographic references of the coelomic cavity are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the normal cross-sectional anatomy and computed tomographic appearance of the coelomic cavity in this species and to develop an anatomical atlas to facilitate diagnostic image interpretation. Eight young adult female Yellow-legged Gull were examined post-mortem. Six specimens underwent computed tomography using a 16-slice helical scanner, followed by frozen transverse sectioning, while two specimens were dissected to provide detailed anatomical correlation. CT datasets were evaluated using bone, soft tissue, and pulmonary window settings, and three-dimensional volume-rendered reconstructions were generated. Anatomical dissections, cross-sectional slices, and CT images enabled identification and characterization of the principal structures of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as their spatial relationships within the coelomic cavity. The combined evaluation of gross anatomy and CT imaging allowed accurate recognition of major organs, air sacs, large vessels, and skeletal landmarks throughout the examined sections. The atlas provides a comprehensive reference for normal coelomic anatomy in Larus michahellis and establishes a baseline for the interpretation of CT examinations in clinical, rehabilitation, and research settings. These findings may improve diagnostic accuracy and support future investigations of coelomic disorders in this species.
In this research, we examined the head of the six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcintus) using advanced imaging techniques, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and correlated these findings with the anatomical cross sections. For this, we analyzed three adult specimens. By integrating imaging data with anatomical cross-sections, we present a detailed description of the structures that constitute the head of this species, highlighting its most distinctive features. Therefore, a well-developed tympanic cavity was observed. The masticatory muscles, including the temporalis, masseter, medial, and lateral pterygoid muscles, were adequately delineated. Moreover, the encephalon exhibited characteristics like those of other mammals, with notable development of the olfactory bulbs. This anatomical information may serve as a valuable diagnostic reference for the clinical evaluation of different disorders in the six-banded armadillo, such as cranial malformations, fractures, neurological conditions, and neoplasms.
The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is one of the most frequently admitted seabirds to wildlife rehabilitation centers in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. Despite its clinical relevance, detailed computed tomographic references of the coelomic cavity are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the normal cross-sectional anatomy and computed tomographic appearance of the coelomic cavity in this species and to develop an anatomical atlas to facilitate diagnostic image interpretation. Eight adult Yellow-legged Gull carcasses were examined. Six specimens underwent computed tomography using a 16-slice helical scanner, followed by frozen transverse sectioning, while two specimens were dissected to provide detailed anatomical correlation. CT datasets were evaluated using bone, soft tissue, and pulmonary window settings, and three-dimensional volume-rendered reconstructions were generated. Anatomical dissections, cross-sectional slices, and CT images enabled identification and characterization of the principal structures of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as their spatial relationships within the coelomic cavity. The combined evaluation of gross anatomy and CT imaging allowed accurate recognition of major organs, air sacs, large vessels, and skeletal landmarks throughout the examined sections. The atlas provides a comprehensive reference for normal coelomic anatomy in L. michahellis and establishes a baseline for the interpretation of CT examinations in clinical, rehabilitation, and research settings. These findings may improve diagnostic accuracy and support future investigations of coelomic disorders in this species.