Cranial Structure of <i>Varanus komodoensis</i> as Revealed by Computed-Tomographic Imaging

This study aimed to describe the anatomic features of the normal head of the Komodo dragon (<i>Varanus komodoensis</i>) identified by computed tomography. CT images were obtained in two dragons using a helical CT scanner. All sections were displayed with a bone and soft tissue windows se...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sara Pérez, Mario Encinoso, Juan Alberto Corbera, Manuel Morales, Alberto Arencibia, Eligia González-Rodríguez, Soraya Déniz, Carlos Melián, Alejandro Suárez-Bonnet, José Raduan Jaber
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
Series:Animals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/4/1078
Description
Summary:This study aimed to describe the anatomic features of the normal head of the Komodo dragon (<i>Varanus komodoensis</i>) identified by computed tomography. CT images were obtained in two dragons using a helical CT scanner. All sections were displayed with a bone and soft tissue windows setting. Head reconstructed, and maximum intensity projection images were obtained to enhance bony structures. After CT imaging, the images were compared with other studies and reptile anatomy textbooks to facilitate the interpretation of the CT images. Anatomic details of the head of the Komodo dragon were identified according to the CT density characteristics of the different organic tissues. This information is intended to be a useful initial anatomic reference in interpreting clinical CT imaging studies of the head and associated structures in live Komodo dragons.
ISSN:2076-2615