Computed tomographic analysis of internal structures within the nasal cavities of green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles.

Abstract

The morphology of the tetrapod nasal cavity has adapted to the environment in terms of olfaction and respiration. Reports indicate that the internal structure of the nasal cavity of green sea turtles is more complex than that of turtles in general, but whether or not it is similar among sea turtle species remains unknown. The present study aimed to define the internal structures of the nasal cavity of green (Chelonian mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles using computed tomography. The nasal cavity of green and loggerhead sea turtles contained anterodorsal, anteroventral, posterodorsal diverticula and a posteroventral excavation in the middle. In contrast, the nasal cavity of leatherback sea turtles had more complicated dorsal region comprising anterodorsal and posterodorsal diverticula, and two excavations between the nostril and anterodorsal diverticulum, but no distinct structures at the ventral region. The airway in the nasal cavity was shorter and thicker in the leatherback, than in the green and loggerhead turtles. These species differences might reflect ecological variety and different evolutionary strategies.