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Three-dimensional mapping of mineral in intact shark centra with energy dispersive x-ray diffraction.

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Updated: Jul 3, 2025

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Micrometer-scale structure in shark vertebral centra.

S R Stock1, U Kierdorf2, K C James3

  • 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, and Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.

Acta Biomaterialia
|February 10, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study reveals the intricate, interconnected microarchitecture of shark vertebral centra, composed of mineralized cartilage trabeculae and unmineralized tissue. This unique structure likely enables sharks to withstand immense swimming forces and prevent damage.

Keywords:
CentrumMicroarchitectureMineralized tissueSharkTrabeculae

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Area of Science:

  • Biomineralization
  • Vertebrate Paleontology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Shark vertebral centra are cartilaginous with bioapatite, but their microarchitecture is undescribed.
  • Understanding this structure is key to comprehending shark biomechanics and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the microarchitecture of shark vertebral centra at the 0.5-50 µm scale.
  • To analyze the relationship between trabecular thickness and spacing in different shark species.

Main Methods:

  • Synchrotron microComputed Tomography (microCT)
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
  • Spectroscopy and light microscopy

Main Results:

  • Shark centra feature a 3D network of interconnected mineralized trabeculae and unmineralized tissue.
  • Trabecular thickness and spacing show significant relationships, varying between shark orders (Lamniformes, Carcharhiniformes).
  • Microstructure differs radically from other mineralized shark tissues like tesserae and teeth.

Conclusions:

  • The unique centra microarchitecture is crucial for accommodating high in vivo strains during swimming.
  • This structure may prevent damage accumulation under repetitive loading, aiding locomotion and longevity.