| From fetus to adult--an allometric analysis of the giraffe vertebral column. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20700891 Owner: NLM Status: In-Process |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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As mammalian cervical vertebral count is almost always limited to seven, the vertebral column of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) provides an interesting study on scaling and adaptation to shape in light of these constraints. We have defined and described the growth rates of the lengths, widths, and heights of the vertebrae from fetal through neonatal life to maturity. We found that the disproportionate elongation of the cervical vertebrae is not a fetal process but occurs after birth, and that each cervical (C2-C7) vertebrae elongates at the same rate. C7 is able to specialize toward elongation as its function has been shifted to T1. We concluded that T1 is a transitional vertebra whose scaling exponent and length is between that of the cervical and thoracic series. Despite its transitional nature, T1 is still regarded as thoracic, as it possesses an articulating rib that attaches to the sternum. The other dimensions taken (width, height, and spinous process length) show that giraffe vertebral morphology exhibit adaptations to biomechanical strain, and we have underlined the importance of the thoracic spinous processes in supporting the head and neck. |
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Authors:
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Sybrand J van Sittert; John D Skinner; Graham Mitchell |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Journal of experimental zoology. Part B, Molecular and developmental evolution Volume: 314 ISSN: 1552-5015 ISO Abbreviation: J. Exp. Zool. B Mol. Dev. Evol. Publication Date: 2010 Sep |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-08-11 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101168228 Medline TA: J Exp Zool B Mol Dev Evol Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 469-79 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
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(c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
Affiliation:
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Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa. sybrandvs@yahoo.com |
Export Citation:
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Descriptor/Qualifier:
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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