[Morphogenesis of the highly specialized nasal skull in the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). I]

Investigated the morphogenesis of the nasal structures of the chondrocranium and determatocranium in 15 embryos and foetuses of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). In the very early stages of the morphogenesis, the nasal capsule of Physeter shows a conspicuous similarity with that of all other odontocetes. In the following stages there are some important differences. Most peculiar is the occurrence of the cartilaginous tectum nasi with the cupulae nasi anteriores, elements which are reduced in all other odontocetes. This cartilaginous complex as a slender band projects obliquely forward from the upper edge of the anterior septal margin. It is free, i.e. not accompanied by membraneous bones. The complex represents the most important factor in the morphogenesis and growth of the characteristic big forehead in Physeter, which contains the spermaceti organ unique within the odontocetes. Other important differences concern the changes in the orientation of the nasal passages and the adjacent skeletal structures. Nevertheless, these differences have to be taken as specializations related to the development of the far-advanced spermaceti organ. As a whole, the embryonic nasal structures in Physeter belong to the same general type of nasal capsule which is common to all odontocetes. The results presented here suggest a close phylogenetic relationship between Physeter and the other Odontoceti.