Three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction and morphometric analysis of skull in gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa)

This study was carried out to determine the osteometric features of the skull by using three dimensional computed tomography images in gazelles (Gazelle subgutturosa). In the study, nine skull samples of adult gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa)were used. Images of the skull sections of 0.625 mm thickness were acquired by using a computer tomography device with 64 detectors applying 80 kV, 200 mA and 639 mGY. Three-dimensional images of the skull samples were reconstructed and morphometric measurements (39 linear, 1 volumetric and 1 surface area) were performed by using the software program MIMICS 12.1. Mean skull volumes in males and females were found to be 115.74 +/- 2.43 cm(3) and 87.69+1.09 cm(3) while the mean skull surface areas in males and females were 79.62 +/- 8.56 cm(2) and 77.34 +/- 1.18 cm(2), respectively. Significant differences between males and females for median frontal length (MFL), frontal length (FRL), upper neurocranium length (UNCL), greatest length of the lacrimal bone (GLLB), oral palatal length (OPL), length of the upper molar row (LUMR) and the greatest neurocranium breadth (GNCB) were observed. The difference in the cranial index between males and females was statistically significant (P<0.01). The data obtained in this study will contribute to detect differences between the gazelles and other species with respect to skull morphometry.