Introduction to the anatomy of the head of a neonate gray whale (Mysticeti, Eschrichtius robustus).
The gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) is the sole living representative of the mysticete (baleen whale) family Eschrichtiidae. Previous anatomical work on gray whales has been limited owing, in part, to difficulties of specimen access. These contributions to the anatomy of the gray whale head based on dissection of a stranded specimen from northern California include detailed investigation of internal and external features that confirm existing information and provide new evidence for their functional roles, particularly in thermoregulation and feeding.
Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.
Annalisa
A
Berta
Eric G
EG
Ekdale
Thomas A
TA
Deméré
Joy S
JS
Reidenberg
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014907:Whales / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
Gray whale; head anatomy; musculature