3D histology of the growth, remodeling, and biomechanical locomotor loading in juvenile tyrannosaurs compared to modern ratites

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Growth patterns and osteohistology of extant taxa are commonly compared to that of extinct vertebrates to interpret growth and ontogenetic maturation in extinct clades. This is traditionally done via ground thin sections, but recently microCT scans have been utilized as these newer processes are non-consumptive. Synchrotron phase contrast microCT improves edge definition and resolution with larger samples. Although not as detailed at the tissue and cellular level, these 3D scans allow for better interpretation and modeling of complicated vasculature.

We applied synchrotron scanning at the Canadian Light Source BMIT beamline to metatarsals and femora of juvenile tyrannosaurids from sub-yearling to teenage stages, and hindlimb elements of ratites for extant grounding of interpretations.

The 3D imaging revealed abundant oblique canals, a vasculature type often mistakenly interpreted in 2D thin section histology and thus underrepresented. These canals can sometimes be indistinguishable from longitudinal canals in 2D but are readily apparent in 3D. They represent fast growth and or increased nutrient transport to tendon and ligament attachments. Because of their connective tissue relationships, they are frequently observed with Sharpey’s fibers and thus have a biomechanical relationship. In the juvenile tyrannosaurids, oblique canals correspond with inferred direction of locomotor ligament tension. Cortical canal densities correlate inversely with maturity in both the ratites and tyrannosaurids.

3D vascular structure otherwise confirmed interpretations of predominant canal direction and remodeling zones identified from ground thin sections. Results demonstrate synergy between planar but higher-resolving 2D histology and extensive volumetric sampling possible with synchrotron microCT.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages5
StatePublished - 16 Feb 2023
EventOklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2023 - Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W. 17th street, Tulsa, United States
Duration: 13 Feb 202317 Feb 2023
https://medicine.okstate.edu/events/index.html?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D160681489

Conference

ConferenceOklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTulsa
Period13/02/2317/02/23
Internet address

Keywords

  • Histology
  • Synchrotron
  • Theropods
  • Ratites

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