Architecture of the mammalian vibrissae medulla: polymorphism and nomenclature

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Abstract

For the first time, scanning electron microscopy was used to identify, study, and systematize the architecture of the vibrissa medulla in 101 species from 80 genera belonging to eight orders of Mammalia using an original nomenclature. The wide variability of its architecture is due to the diversity of sizes and relationships of the internal compartments of the vibrissae (air cavities and partitions). Different types of medulla were established: membranous, pyramidal, blocky cylindrical, blocky polyhedral, chaotic, small cellular, large cellular, star-shaped, uniserial, and hollow. Medulla of different types can be combined in one vibrissa. In a number of species that lead an underground (moles, mole rats), semi-aquatic (desman) and aquatic (bowhead whale) lifestyle, the medulla in the vibrissae is absent.

About the authors

O. F. Chernova

A.N. Severtsov Institute of Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: olga.chernova.moscow@gmail.com
Moscow, Russian Federation

Yu. F. Ivlev

A.N. Severtsov Institute of Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Moscow, Russian Federation

E. G. Potapova

A.N. Severtsov Institute of Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Moscow, Russian Federation

O. V. Zherebtsova

Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences

St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

E. M. Shchelkanov

State University of Education

Moscow Region, Mytishchi, Russian Federation

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