Developmental morphology of the solum nasi in the mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus)

J Morphol. 1989 Dec;202(3):409-24. doi: 10.1002/jmor.1052020308.

Abstract

The solum nasi of Microcebus murinus is characterized by the presence of a zona annularis, continuity between the anterior transverse lamina and the paraseptal cartilage, a continuous paraseptal cartilage, a palatine cartilage and a posterior transverse lamina. It lacks a fibula reuniens and possibly a cartilage of the nasopalatine duct as well as a palatine papillary cartilage. The morphology in M. murinus closely resembles that seen in Tupaia and Galago. This affinity results from the retention of primitive traits. However, Galago is reported to lack a zona annularis, thus displaying a specialization not shared with M. murinus. Therefore, the zona annularis provides a useful trait for distinguishing between the ontogenies of M. murinus and Galago.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cartilage / growth & development*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Lemur / growth & development*
  • Lemuridae / growth & development*
  • Nasal Cavity / growth & development*