Descrição anatomorradiográfica dos ossos da cabeça de tamanduá-bandeira myrmecophaga tridactyla

Abstract

The anatomical and radiographic description of the bones of the head of Myrmecophaga tridactyla is essential for the radiographic study of this species, which is considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this is due to the decline of the population, being roadkill one of the main factors. This animal has anatomical, behavioral and physiological adaptations aimed at insectivorous feeding, mainly ants and termites and its elongated skull and jaw contribute to this adaptation and the tongue follows this morphology. The objective of this work was to describe the radiographic anatomy of the skull of Myrmecophaga tridactyla, to help the interpretation of radiographic exams and obtain a more accurate diagnosis. To carry out this study, six individuals of Myrmecophaga tridactyla were used, one was the cadaver used for radiography and maceration, the latter provided by the Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Wild Animals (LAPAS), and five animals were from the database of the sector of Radiology at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia (HV-UFU). After radiography, the skull of one specimen was macerated to remove the muscles and adjacent tissues and then immersed in oxygen peroxide for whitening and better visualization of the bones. Subsequently, photomacrographs were taken. The rostrocaudal bones of the skull were identified: incisor, nasal, maxilla, lacrimal, frontal, zygomatic, palatine, sphenoid, parietal, temporal, occipital and mandible bone. The use of maceration and radiography techniques enabled the production of an anatomoradiographic atlas of the giant anteater skull.