Open AccessMorphological features of the nasal cavities of hawksbill, olive ridley, and black sea turtles: Comparative studies with green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles
Author(s) -
Chiyo Kitayama,
Kazuki Ueda,
Mariko Omata,
Taketeru Tomita,
Shingo Fukada,
Syozo Murakami,
Yoshiaki Tanaka,
Akihiro Kaji,
Satomi Kondo,
Hiroyuki Suganuma,
Yuki Aiko,
Atsuru Fujimoto,
Yusuke Kawai,
Masashi Yanagawa,
Daisuke Kondoh
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0250873
Subject(s) - nasal cavity , biology , anatomy , black sea , oceanography , geology
We analyzed the internal structure of the nasal cavities of hawksbill, olive ridley and black sea turtles from computed tomography images. The nasal cavities of all three species consisted of a vestibule, nasopharyngeal duct and cavum nasi proprium that included anterodorsal, posterodorsal and anteroventral diverticula, and a small posteroventral salience formed by a fossa of the wall. These findings were similar to those of green and loggerhead sea turtles (Cheloniidae), but differed from those of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelyidae). Compared to the Cheloniidae species, the nasal cavity in leatherback sea turtles was relatively shorter, wider and larger in volume. Those structural features of the nasal cavity of leatherback sea turtles might help to suppress heat dissipation and reduce water pressure within the nasal cavity in cold and deep waters.