| Functional allometry of the semicircular ducts in subterranean mole-rats Cryptomys (Bathyergidae, Rodentia). | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 7992896 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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BACKGROUND: Since the spatial mobility of subterranean mole-rats is restricted and their skull strongly modified, morpho-functional regression of their vestibular organ may be expected. On the other hand, vestibular sense may be indispensable for orientation in a world deprived of most external sensory cues. Since vestibular sensitivity is determined by the size of the labyrinth, morphometrical analysis may be employed to assess the sensitivity and to test whether the organ is degenerate or progressively specialized. METHODS: We analyzed the shape and size of the membranous labyrinth of vestibular organs in toto in three species of African subterranean blind mole-rats of the genus Cryptomys (Bathyergidae) differing in body size yet not in habitats, ways of life, or employed orientation and locomotory strategies. The mechanical sensitivity of the cupula was estimated according to Oman et al. (1987. Acta Otolaryngol. (Stockh.), 103:1-13) for each of the three semicircular ducts. RESULTS: The size and shape of the vestibular organ changed predictably depending on species-specific (yet not individual) body mass. In some aspects, particularly the cross-sectional area, the ducts were larger than expected for a mammal of a comparable body size. In all species examined, the anterior semicircular ducts exhibited the highest sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The vestibular organs of blind subterranean mole-rats are not regressed morpho-functionally. |
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Authors:
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T Lindenlaub; H Burda |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The Anatomical record Volume: 240 ISSN: 0003-276X ISO Abbreviation: Anat. Rec. Publication Date: 1994 Oct |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 1995-01-12 Completed Date: 1995-01-12 Revised Date: 2003-11-14 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0370540 Medline TA: Anat Rec Country: UNITED STATES |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 286-9 Citation Subset: IM; S |
Affiliation:
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Department of Morphology, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Animals Female Male Rodentia / anatomy & histology*, physiology* Semicircular Canals / anatomy & histology*, physiology* Sensory Deprivation / physiology Skull / anatomy & histology |
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