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Variation in maxillary sinus anatomy among platyrrhine monkeys
Takeshi D Nishimura1, Masanaru Takai, Takehisa Tsubamoto
1Laboratory of Physical Anthropology, Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan. nishimur@anthro.zool.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Journal of Human Evolution
|July 13, 2005
Summary
Maxillary sinus anatomy varies across platyrrhine primates. Studies reveal patterns in sinus pneumatization, suggesting a primitive trait shared by early anthropoids.
Area of Science:
- Primate Anatomy
- Comparative Osteology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Maxillary sinus anatomy in catarrhine primates has been studied using computed tomography (CT) for phylogenetic insights.
- Previous CT studies examined some platyrrhine genera, noting variations and absence of the sinus in Saimiri and Cacajao.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the three-dimensional anatomy of the maxillary sinus in all extant platyrrhine genera.
- To analyze the phylogenetic implications of observed variations in maxillary sinus anatomy.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) was used to examine the maxillary sinus anatomy.
- The study included six previously unstudied platyrrhine genera: Ateles, Lagothrix, Callithrix, Cebuella, Pithecia, and Chiropotes.
Main Results:
- The entire maxilla is pneumatized by the sinus in atelines, Cebus, and Callicebus.
- Sinus pneumatization is limited to the medial maxilla in callitrichines and Aotus.
- Pithecia exhibits a unique conformation; Chiropotes lacks a sinus, possibly due to inferior meatus expansion.
Conclusions:
- Maxillary sinus pneumatization patterns provide insights into platyrrhine phylogeny.
- The presence of a sinus pneumatizing the entire maxilla is likely a primitive feature in extant platyrrhines.
- This primitive feature was probably shared by the last common ancestor of anthropoids.