Abstract
http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2016v29n3p35Dentre os bichos-preguiça, pode-se destacar a espécie Bradypus variegatus, encontrada especialmente no Nordeste brasileiro. Diante da importância e escassez de informações acerca do sistema digestório de animais silvestres, o objetivo deste artigo é descrever a morfologia dos dentes dessa espécie de preguiça. Para tal, foram utilizados quatro animais adultos, pertencentes ao acervo de anatomia do Centro Acadêmico de Vitória de Santo Antão da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE). Os dentes das preguiças foram analisados, retirados das arcadas e, em seguida, submetidos a duas técnicas de preparação histológica de tecido duro, desgaste e descalcificação. As lâminas obtidas foram analisadas em microscópio óptico. As preguiças têm 18 dentes molariformes, com cúspides e espaços interdentais. De acordo com a análise histológica, percebeu-se que os dentes não possuem esmalte, sendo compostos por 1 camada espessa de cemento e 2 camadas de dentina, uma externa e outra interna. A polpa apresenta um aspecto semelhante à humana. Pôde-se constatar, ainda, a presença de ligamento periodontal espesso e vascularizado entre o dente e o osso alveolar, este último com ósteons facilmente identificados.
Highlights
The superorder Xenarthra includes sloths, anteaters, and armadillos
Bradypus variegatus sloths have 18 teeth, 18 in the maxilla and 8 in the jawbone, something which is seen in other species in the Bradypodidae family (Figure 1)
The outer dentin is probably associated with the repair function, as proposed by Azarias (2005) for Bradypus torquatus, since the lack of enamel culminates in a faster teeth wear
Summary
The superorder Xenarthra includes sloths, anteaters, and armadillos. Its great morphological diversity among representatives is worth emphasizing. Sloths belong to the Pilosa order, just as anteaters (GARDNER, 2007). They are distributed into two families according to the number of ingers on the forelimbs: Bradypodidae are three-ingered sloths and the genuses Bradypus, Megalonychidae, and Choloepus consist of two-ingered sloths (GARDNER, 2005). Brazil is regarded as the largest natural reserve for Bradypodidae (AMORIM, 2000). Bradypus variegatus is the most relevant species, known as the common sloth (SUPERINA; AGUIAR, 2006), showing the largest geographical distribution, it is observed from Honduras to northern Argentina, especially in northeastern Brazil (AMORIM, 2000; CASSANO, 2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
