This study represents the first definitive anatomical description of the tongue and lingual papillae of the pampas deer and compares the different information on the morphology of the other ruminant species available in the literature. In this study, the tongues of four adult and one fetal deer were used. The tongue was elongated with an oval or rounded apex. The filiform papillae on the lingual apex were smaller than the ones on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the lingual body. Two very thin secondary papillary projections were found to emerge from the bilateral sides of some filiform papillae. Spherical fungiform papillae were randomly distributed among filiform papillae on dorsal surface of the lingual body and ventral surface of the apex. More developed conical papillae were observed in the caudal half of the lingual torus, whereas the rostral half of the torus had smaller conical papillae. Each conical papilla included shallow longitudinal groove on its anterior surface and some conical papillae on the lingual torus had bifid sharp apices. On the caudal portion of the torus, we also observed a few fungiform papillae, which were larger than those located on the lingual body. There were no lenticular papillae on the lingual torus, and five to nine round or oval circumvallate papillae were situated on each caudolateral side of the lingual torus. Morphological features of the tongue in the pampas deer were more similar to wild ruminant species than they were to domestic species.

This research presents the first definitive anatomical description of the tongue and lingual papillae of the chital deer. In this study, tongues of five deer were used. The tongue was fairly elongated and terminated in oval apex. Cone‐shaped filiform papilla was composed of one larger main papilla and two smaller secondary papillae, which emerged from bottom of main papilla. Rounded fungiform papillae were randomly distributed on the body and torus, and some fungiform papillae were surrounded by evident groove. On the ventral surface, some of them had evident fossa on their surfaces. The lenticular papillae on the lateral and rostral side of the torus were smaller in length compared with ones localized on central region of the torus. Eleven to fourteen circumvallate papillae were situated on each caudolateral side of the torus. The circumvallate papillae were surrounded by a prominent gustatory groove and there were no annular pads surrounding the groove. Morphological features of the tongue of the chital deer were similar to some wild and domestic ruminants. In this regard; it is thought that this research will provide morphological contributions for deer species as there are not sufficient and detailed sources on species‐specific morphology in researches on Cervidae family.

Erdo gan, S., P erez, W. 2015. Anatomical and Scanning Electron Microscopic Characteristics of the Oropharyngeal Cavity (Tongue, Palate and Laryngeal Entrance) in the Southern Lapwing (Charadriidae: Vanellus chilensis, Molina 1782). -Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 96: 264-272.This investigation aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of the tongue, palate and laryngeal entrance of southern lapwing by gross anatomy and scanning electron microscopy. For this purpose, the organs of three birds were used as material. Numerous densely distributed acicular projections were found on the lingual apex. Papillary crest consisting of sharp conical papillae were observed between the body and root of the tongue. Conical papillae of the lateral border of the papillary crest were triangular in form, and other conical papillae of the papillary crest were shorter in form. There were no papillary projections or papillae on the smooth surfaces of the lingual body and radix. On the median part of the palate, larger conical papillae, which were directed caudally, also surrounded entrance of the choanal cleft. The transversal papillary rows of conical papillae were observed between the rostral and caudal parts of the choanal cleft and on the caudal border of the infundibular cleft. The laryngeal entrance was surrounded by smooth mucosa without conical papillae. However, in the caudal border of the glottic fissure, there was a conical papillary row formed by numerous conical papillae. There were no anatomical differences between female and male birds.

This research aimed to examine the morphological features of the tongue and laryngeal entrance of long-legged buzzard by macroscopic and scanning electron microscopic methods. Two adult buzzards were used as material. The tongue was fairly elongated and terminated in oval shovel-like apex. Scale-like projections were localized on the apex and body of tongue. Both lateral sides of lingual body were contained considerably long thread-like projections. Many orifices of lingual posterior salivary glands were discerned among scale-like projections in median sulcus of the lingual body. Papillary crest of sharp conical papilla were observed on the between the body and root of the tongue. No conical papillae or other projections were existent on the root of the tongue, but numerous orifices of posterior salivary gland ducts were detected. In addition, orifices of anterior salivary gland ducts were present on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the lingual body. Numerous conical papillae were observed on the caudal region of glottis and no conical papillae or any similar projection which were bordered the glottic fissure was noted. Anatomy of these organs in the long-legged buzzard and white tailed eagle which are the member of the same family, Accipitridae, revealed very high similarity.

Knowing the structure and variations of the plexus brachialis is important in neck and shoulder surgery. The knowledge of the brachial plexus reduces the injury rate of the nerves in surgical interventions to the axillary region. The major nerve trunks of the thoracic limb were the suprascapular, subscapular, axillary, radial, musculocutaneous, median and ulnar nerves. In Van cats, the brachial plexus was formed by the ventral branches of the spinal nerves, C6‐C7‐C8 and T1. The 7th cervical nerve was quite thick compared to the others. The subscapular nerve was the thinnest (on the right side, the average length was 6.55 ± 0.60 mm and on the left side was 6.50 ± 0.60 mm), and the radial nerve was the thickest (the average length on the right side was 28.48 ± 0.44 mm and on the left side was 29.11 ± 0.55 mm). The suprascapular nerve was formed by the ventral branch of the 6th cervical nerve. The subscapular nerves were formed by a branch originating from the 6th cervical nerve and the two medial and caudal branches originating from the 7th cervical nerve. No communicating branch between the ulnar nerve and the median nerve was observed in the palmar region. The axillary nerve was formed by the ventral branches of the 7th nerve, the musculocutaneous nerve was formed by ventral branches of the 6th and 7th cervical nerves, and the ulnar nerve was formed by ventral branches of the 8th cervical and the 1st thoracic nerves. The radial nerve was the thickest branch in the brachial plexus. In Van cats, the origin and distribution of nerves were similar to those reported in the literature for other species of cats, with the exception of the suprascapular, subscapular and axillary nerves.

Characeae (Charophyceae, Charophyta) contains two tribes with six genera: tribe Chareae with four genera and tribe Nitelleae, which includes Tolypella and Nitella. This paper uses molecular and morphological data to elucidate the phylogeny of Tolypella species in North America. In the most comprehensive taxonomic treatment of Characeae, 16 Tolypella species worldwide were subsumed into two species, T. intricata and T. nidifica, in two sections, Rothia and Tolypella respectively. It was further suggested that Tolypella might be a derived group within Nitella. In this investigation into species diversity and relationships in North American Tolypella, sequence data from the plastid genes atpB, psbC, and rbcL were assembled for a broad range of charophycean and land plant taxa. Molecular data were used in conjunction with morphology to test monophyly of the genus and species within it. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequence data showed that Characeae is monophyletic but that Nitelleae is paraphyletic with Tolypella sister to a monophyletic Nitella + Chareae. The results also supported the monophyly of Tolypella and the sections Rothia and Tolypella. Morphologically defined species were supported as clades with little or no DNA sequence differences. In addition, molecular data revealed several lineages and a new species (T. ramosissima sp. nov.), which suggests greater species diversity in Tolypella than previously recognized.

The aim of this study was to compare the anatomical and functional characteristics of the lingual papilla among the Camelidae. For this purpose, tongues of alpaca, guanaco, and llama were used. Numerous long and thin filiform papillae were located in the median groove and none were detected on the rest of the dorsal surface of the lingual apex in alpaca. Secondary papillae originated from the base of some filiform papillae on the ventral surface of alpaca tongue. The bases of some filiform papillae of the lateral surface of the lingual apex were inserted into conspicuous grooves in guanaco and tips of filiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the lingual body were ended by bifurcated apex. On the dorsal surface of the lingual apex of llama, there were no filiform papillae but there were numerous filiform papillae on both the lateral margins of the ventral surface of the lingual apex. Fungiform papillae were distributed randomly on dorsal lingual surface and ventral margins of the tongues of all camelid species. Lenticular papillae were located on the lingual torus and varied in size and topographical distribution for each species. Circumvallate papillae had irregular surfaces in llama and alpaca, and smooth surface in guanaco. In conclusion, llama and alpaca tongues were more similar to each other, and tongues of all camelid species displayed more similarities to those of Bactrian and dromedary camels in comparison with other herbivores and ruminants.

The pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) is a South American grazing deer which is in extreme danger of extinction. Very little is known about the biology of the pampas deer. Moreover, most information has not been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and is only available in local publications, theses, etc. Therefore, our aim was to update and summarize the available information regarding the reproductive biology of the pampas deer. Moreover, in most sections, we have also included new, unpublished information. Detailed descriptions are provided of the anatomy of both the female and the male reproductive tract, puberty onset, the oestrous cycle and gestational length. Birthing and the early postpartum period are described, as are maternal behaviour and early fawn development, seasonal distribution of births, seasonal changes in male reproduction and antler cycle, reproductive behaviour, semen collection, and cryopreservation. Finally, an overview is given and future directions of research are proposed.