Opening and closing mechanisms of the leatherback sea turtle larynx: a crucial role for the tongue.

A combination of dissection and computed tomography scanning has provided significant novel insights into the structure and function of the Dermochelys coriacea larynx and its associated muscles. Several previously unknown features of the laryngeal aditus (glottis) are described and their functional significance in its opening and closure are considered. The tongue plays an essential part in producing and maintaining closure during dives and feeding bouts.

Thoracic paravertebral block using real-time ultrasound guidance.

Background: We developed a technique for ultrasound-guided paravertebral block, which was subsequently applied in the clinical setting.

Methods: An initial cadaver study was used to develop a technique that was used in the clinical setting on patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

Results: Paravertebral catheters were correctly placed in the cadaveric trial in 8 of 10 attempts.

Ontogenetic changes in tracheal structure facilitate deep dives and cold water foraging in adult leatherback sea turtles.

Adult leatherbacks are large animals (300-500 kg), overlapping in size with marine pinniped and cetacean species. Unlike marine mammals, they start their aquatic life as 40-50 g hatchlings, so undergo a 10,000-fold increase in body mass during independent existence. Hatchlings are limited to the tropics and near-surface water.

Near-peer teaching in anatomy: an approach for deeper learning.

Peer teaching has been recognized as a valuable and effective approach for learning and has been incorporated into medical, dental, and healthcare courses using a variety of approaches. The success of peer teaching is thought to be related to the ability of peer tutors and tutees to communicate more effectively, thereby improving the learning environment. Near-peer teaching involves more experienced students acting as tutors who are ideally placed to pass on their knowledge and experience.

Fat head: an analysis of head and neck insulation in the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).

Adult leatherback turtles are gigantothermic/endothermic when foraging in cool temperate waters, maintaining a core body temperature within the main body cavity of ca. 25 degrees C despite encountering surface temperatures of ca. 15 degrees C and temperatures as low as 0.