Gross and microanatomic description of the dental pads of the Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, and their importance to mastication.

Objective: Florida manatee feeding ecology is critical to species survival, but the role of dental pads in feeding has received limited attention. This study characterized the gross and microscopic anatomy of the manatee's dorsal and ventral dental pad in relation to these structures' importance in mastication, which furthers our understanding of manatee feeding and health.

Design: Whole heads from 6 animals (4 male and 2 female) of varying sizes were examined grossly.