Larynx morphology and sound production in three species of Testudinidae

Journal of Morphology
Roberto SacchiGiuseppe Gerzeli

Abstract

Although the ability to vocalize is widespread among tortoises, the mechanisms of sound production in chelonians remain undescribed. In this study, we analyze the morphology and histology of the larynx of three species of Testudinidae (Testudo hermanni, T. graeca, and T. marginata) in order to ascertain the presence of vibrating acoustic structure, and based on our findings we propose a general model for phonation in tortoises. The structure of the larynx of the three tortoises analyzed is simple: three cartilages (the cricoid and two arytenoids) form the skeleton of the larynx, while two pairs of muscles (the dilators and constrictors) control the widening and closing of the glottis. The larynx is supported in the oral cavity by the hyoid cartilage, which in tortoises assumes the same functions of the thyroid cartilage of mammals. Two bands of elastic fibers are inserted in the lateral walls of the larynx just upstream of the glottis, and can be stretched away from the hyoid by the movements of the arytenoids. Their position and structure suggest that these bands are capable of vibrating during exhalation, and therefore may be considered vocal cords. The cricoid of T. marginata and T. graeca hold two diverticula, not previousl...Continue Reading

References

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Jan 1, 1980·Oecologia·James F Berry, Richard Shine

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Citations

Jul 17, 2009·The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·Jacqueline C GilesGerald Kuchling
Jun 10, 2009·Bio Systems·Tina P Benko, Matjaz Perc
Jun 28, 2016·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Tobias RiedeJulia A Clarke
Feb 9, 2017·ELife·Jacqueline M TablerJohn B Wallingford
Apr 15, 2006·The Anatomical Record. Part A, Discoveries in Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology·Manuel Lima-RodriguesArmando Almeida
Sep 27, 2018·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Evan P KingsleyJulia A Clarke
Oct 26, 2020·The Anatomical Record : Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology·Anthony P Russell, Aaron M Bauer
Apr 25, 2021·The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Exotic Animal Practice·Kelsea Studer, Nicola Di Girolamo
Feb 7, 2015·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Tobias RiedeColleen G Farmer
Nov 30, 2010·The Journal of Experimental Biology·John FraherTracy Cuffe

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