Abstract
Digital dissection is a relatively new technique that has enabled scientists to gain a better understanding of vertebrate anatomy. It can be used to rapidly disseminate detailed, three-dimensional information in an easily accessible manner that reduces the need for destructive, traditional dissections. Here we present the results of a digital dissection on the appendicular musculature of the Australian estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). A better understanding of this until now poorly known system in C. porosus is important, not only because it will expand research into crocodilian locomotion, but because of its potential to inform muscle reconstructions in dinosaur taxa. Muscles of the forelimb and hindlimb are described and three-dimensional interactive models are included based on CT and MRI scans as well as fresh-tissue dissections. Differences in the arrangement of musculature between C. porosus and other groups within the Crocodylia were found. In the forelimb, differences are restricted to a single tendon of origin for triceps longus medialis. For the hindlimb, a reduction in the number of heads of ambiens was noted as well as changes to the location of origin and insertion for iliofibularis and gastrocnemius externus.
Highlights
Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files
Completing the fresh-tissue dissections allowed for the correct identification and documentation of origin/insertion points for most muscles, as well as an investigation into muscle function based on anatomy (Fig 3 and Fig 4)
The general forelimb morphology of crocodilians is conservative [20,46] compared to the hindlimb which has experienced many more changes thought to reflect the evolution of locomotion in the Archosauria [2,7]
Summary
Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files. Conducting a digital dissection is a non-destructive method that allows users to interact with data in three-dimensions This gives researchers the ability to better visualise different muscles and identify their anatomical position. Often CT does not provide enough soft tissue detail to conduct an adequate digital dissection [34] To counteract this disadvantage contrast-enhancing agents like iodine have proven to be extremely useful for identifying detailed muscle architectures in small specimens [32,34,35,41,42,43,44]. In the present study the use of both CT and MRI has enabled the formation of interactive three-dimensional models of the forelimb and hindlimb musculature of C. porosus This is coupled with a detailed anatomical description to broaden the knowledge base for C. porosus and identify similarities and differences in appendicular anatomy between it and other crocodilian species. Research was carried out under a Scientific Licence from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Office of Environment and Heritage (SL101730) to work on protected native fauna
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
