Interpreting pathologies in extant and extinct archosaurs using micro-CT

摘要: Palaeopathology offers unique insight to the healing strategies of extinct organisms, permitting questions concerning bone physiology be answered in greater depth. Unfortunately, most palaeopathological studies are confined external morphological interpretations due destructive nature traditional methods study. This limits degree reliable diagnosis and interpretation possible. X-ray MicroTomography (micro-CT, XMT) provides a non-destructive means analysing internal three-dimensional structure pathologies both extant individuals, at higher resolutions than possible with medical scanners. In this study, we present descriptions archosaurs using XMT. work demonstrates that combination external/internal microtomography facilitates is crucial when differentiating between pathological conditions. Furthermore, show use comparative species, through direct analysis from literature, key information for diagnosing vertebrate groups typical conditions physiological processes. Micro-CT imaging, combined observations more detailed palaeopathologies. an increasingly accessible tool, which will provide insights correctly interpreting future.