Non-destructive morphological observations of the fleshy brittle star, Asteronyx loveni using micro-computed tomography (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea, Euryalida)

The first morphological observation of a euryalid brittle star, , using non-destructive X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) was performed. The body of euryalids is covered by thick skin, and it is very difficult to observe the ossicles without dissolving the skin. Computed tomography with micromet...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ZooKeys 2017-03, Vol.663 (663), p.1-19
Main Authors: Okanishi, Masanori, Fujita, Toshihiko, Maekawa, Yu, Sasaki, Takenori
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal morphology
Asteronyx loveni
Brittle stars
CAT scans
Computed tomography
Invertebrates
Morphology
Muscles
Nerves
Physiological aspects
Skin
Soft tissues
Vertebrae
Zoological research
Zoology
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Summary:The first morphological observation of a euryalid brittle star, , using non-destructive X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT) was performed. The body of euryalids is covered by thick skin, and it is very difficult to observe the ossicles without dissolving the skin. Computed tomography with micrometer resolution (approximately 4.5-15.4 µm) was used to construct 3D images of skeletal ossicles and soft tissues in the ophiuroid's body. Shape and positional arrangement of taxonomically important ossicles were clearly observed without any damage to the body. Detailed pathways inside the vertebral ossicles, lateral arm plates, and arm spines for passage of nerves and water vascular structures were observed. Inter-vertebral muscles were also observed. Forms and 3D arrangements of many important taxonomical characters of the euryalids were scrutinized by µCT in high enough resolution for taxonomic description of ophiuroids.
ISSN:1313-2989
1313-2970
DOI:10.3897/zookeys.663.11413