PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
The venous anatomy of the two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) remains poorly understood, particularly in living specimens due to the limitations of traditional cadaveric studies. This study aims to describe the unique venous structures of Choloepus didactylus using computed tomography, enhancing our understanding of this species in a live setting. Three living Choloepus didactylus underwent CT scans as part of routine clinical assessments. The images were reconstructed using 3D Slicer software (version 5.6.2), focusing on the caudal vena cava anatomy. The reconstructions confirmed the presence of a significant intravertebral vein, showing complex venous connections through the ventral sacral foramen and vertebral foramina. These findings highlight notable anatomical variations and challenge existing literature on the species\' venous architecture. By employing modern imaging technologies, this research provides new insights into the venous anatomy of Choloepus didactylus, demonstrating the value of non-invasive techniques in studying the anatomical features of live animals, thereby offering a foundation for further comparative and evolutionary studies.
摘要：
两趾树懒（Choloepusdidactylus）的静脉解剖结构仍然知之甚少，由于传统尸体研究的局限性，特别是在活体标本中。本研究旨在使用计算机断层扫描描述Choloepusdidactylus的独特静脉结构，在现场环境中增强我们对这个物种的理解。作为常规临床评估的一部分，对三个活的Choloepusdidactylus进行了CT扫描。使用3D切片器软件（版本5.6.2）重建图像，专注于尾腔静脉解剖。重建证实存在明显的椎内静脉，显示通过腹侧骶骨孔和椎骨孔的复杂静脉连接。这些发现突出了显着的解剖学变化，并挑战了有关物种静脉结构的现有文献。通过采用现代成像技术，这项研究为Choloepusdidactylus的静脉解剖提供了新的见解，证明非侵入性技术在研究活体动物解剖特征方面的价值，从而为进一步的比较和进化研究奠定了基础。
