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Novel vascular plexus in the head of a sea snake (Elapidae, Hydrophiinae) revealed by high-resolution computed tomography and histology

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dc.contributor.author Palci, Alessandro
dc.contributor.author Seymour, Roger S.
dc.contributor.author Cao, Van Nguyen
dc.contributor.author Hutchinson, Mark N.
dc.contributor.author Lee, Michael S. Y.
dc.contributor.author Sanders, Kate L.
dc.date.accessioned 2019-09-18T02:46:19Z
dc.date.available 2019-09-18T02:46:19Z
dc.date.issued 2019
dc.identifier.uri http://113.160.249.209:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/20037
dc.description.abstract Novel phenotypes are often linked to major ecological transitions during evolution. Here, we describe for the first time an unusual network of large blood vessels in the head of the sea snake Hydrophis cyanocinctus. MicroCT imaging and histology reveal an intricate modified cephalic vascular network (MCVN) that underlies a broad area of skin between the snout and the roof of the head. It is mostly composed of large veins and sinuses and converges posterodorsally into a large vein (sometimes paired) that penetrates the skull through the parietal bone. Endocranially, this blood vessel leads into the dorsal cerebral sinus, and from there, a pair of large veins depart ventrally to enter the brain. We compare the condition observed in H. cyanocinctus with that of other elapids and discuss the possible functions of this unusual vascular network. Sea snakes have low oxygen partial pressure in their arterial blood that facilitates cutaneous respiration, potentially limiting the availability of oxygen to the brain. We conclude that this novel vascular structure draining directly to the brain is a further elaboration of the sea snakes’ cutaneous respiratory anatomy, the most likely function of which is to provide the brain with an additional supply of oxygen. vi,en
dc.language.iso en vi,en
dc.relation.ispartofseries Royal Society Open Science, No.6: 19109;http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191099
dc.subject Sea snake vi,en
dc.subject Elapidae vi,en
dc.subject parietal foramen vi,en
dc.subject head circulation vi,en
dc.subject cutaneous respiration vi,en
dc.subject brain vi,en
dc.title Novel vascular plexus in the head of a sea snake (Elapidae, Hydrophiinae) revealed by high-resolution computed tomography and histology vi,en
dc.type Working Paper vi,en


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