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Related Experiment Video

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Dissection, MicroCT Scanning and Morphometric Analyses of the Baculum
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Testing hypotheses of bat baculum function with 3D models derived from microCT.

Anna Nele Herdina1, Diane A Kelly, Helena Jahelková

  • 1Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Journal of Anatomy
|February 7, 2015
PubMed
Summary

The baculum (os penis) in bats likely protects the urethra during erection and supports the penis tip. This study used 3D imaging to reveal the baculum

Keywords:
3D modelChiropterafunctional morphologyiodine stainmicro-CTpenis bonex-ray microtomography

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Area of Science:

  • Mammalian reproductive anatomy
  • Functional morphology
  • Bio-mechanics

Background:

  • The baculum (os penis) is a bone found in the penis of many mammals, including bats.
  • Its precise mechanical function remains poorly understood, though it's often considered a sexually selected trait.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanical roles of the baculum during penile erection and copulation in bats.
  • To test hypotheses regarding urethral protection and penile support.

Main Methods:

  • A novel approach combining postmortem manipulation and high-resolution 3D X-ray microtomography was employed.
  • Penises from three bat species (Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. nathusii) were imaged in both flaccid and artificially 'erect' states.
  • Changes in the relative positions of the baculum, corpora cavernosa, urethra, and corpus spongiosum were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The baculum appears to protect the distal urethra and its opening from compression during erection.
  • The baculum and corpora cavernosa function as a unit, supporting both the penile shaft and the glans tip.
  • Results support both tested functional hypotheses.

Conclusions:

  • The baculum likely serves dual roles in supporting penile erection and copulation in bats.
  • The employed 3D imaging methodology is valuable for studying baculum function across diverse mammal species.
  • This research lays groundwork for advanced biomechanical modeling of penis function.