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Brain anatomy of two‐toed sloth ( Choloepus didactylus , Linnaeus, 1758): A comparative gross anatomical study of extant xenarthrans
Author(s) -
Freitas Letícia Menezes,
Santos Odeony Paulo,
Santos André Luiz Quagliatto,
Melo Fabiano Rodrigues,
Silveira Leandro,
Jácomo Anah Tereza de Almeida,
Pereira Kleber Fernando,
Lima Fabiano Campos
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
anatomia, histologia, embryologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1439-0264
pISSN - 0340-2096
DOI - 10.1111/ahe.12501
Subject(s) - armadillo , xenarthra , sloth , biology , anatomy , marsupial , zoology , paleontology
The neural system plays an important role in understanding some features of animals. Anatomical complexity correlates with the increase of functional capacity. Xenarthrans include anteaters (Vermilingua), armadillos (Cingulata) and sloths (Folivora). This group is the base of eutherian mammals, and understanding the anatomy of its neural system could provide data for functional and evolutionary interpretations. The gross anatomy of the xenarthran brain is recorded. Four extant families of Pilosa and two families of Cingulata were sampled. Usual dissection procedures were used, and the brains were analysed macroscopically. The brain of two‐toed sloth, three‐toed sloth, six‐banded armadillo, giant anteater and collared anteater are gyrencephalic. Pygmy anteater, nine‐banded armadillo, great long‐nosed armadillo, southern naked‐tailed armadillo and giant armadillo are lissencephalic. In most species, the rhinal fissure presents two segments, rostral and caudal (except in Vermilingua and three‐toed sloth). The diencephalon and brainstem present similar anatomy. The cerebellum is wide and presents four lobes (rostral, central, caudal and floccular). Its average volume is 12.16% (Folivora), 14.26% (Vermilingua) and 18.61% (Cingulata). Among these groups, there is a statistical difference between Folivora/Cingulata concerning the cerebellum average. The general pattern of the brain of the xenarthrans is similar to that of other mammals.