title: Digital dissection and three-dimensional interactive models of limb musculature in the Australian estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
abstract: Digital dissection is a relatively new technique that has enabled scientists to gain a better understanding of vertebrate anatomy. It can be used to rapidly disseminate detailed, three-dimensional information in an easily accessible manner that reduces the need for destructive, traditional dissections. Here we present the results of a digital dissection on the appendicular musculature of the Australian estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). A better understanding of this until now poorly known system in C. porosus is important, not only because it will expand research into crocodilian locomotion, but because of its potential to inform muscle reconstructions in dinosaur taxa. Muscles of the forelimb and hindlimb are described and three-dimensional interactive models are included based on CT and MRI scans as well as fresh-tissue dissections. Differences in the arrangement of musculature between C. porosus and other groups within the Crocodylia were found. In the forelimb, differences are restricted to a single tendon of origin for triceps longus medialis. For the hindlimb, a reduction in the number of heads of ambiens was noted as well as changes to the location of origin and insertion for iliofibularis and gastrocnemius externus.
authors.affiliation: Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale NSW Australia.|Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, Winton QLD Australia.
authors.forename: Ada J
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2247-7040
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Klinkhamer
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama AL United States of America.
authors.forename: D Ray
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Wilhite
authors.affiliation: Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, Winton QLD Australia.|School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW Australia.
authors.forename: Matt A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale NSW Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wroe
mesh_terms: D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D063366:Estuaries; D005552:Forelimb; D006614:Hindlimb; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology*