PreprintArticleVersion 1This version is not peer-reviewed
Comparative Morphology of Skeletal Development in Homo sapiens and Raja asterias: Divergent Stiffening Patterns Due to Different Matrix Calcification Processes
Version 1
: Received: 5 August 2024 / Approved: 6 August 2024 / Online: 6 August 2024 (12:17:59 CEST)
How to cite:
Pazzaglia, U. E.; Zecca, P. A.; Terova, G.; Serena, F.; Cecilia, M.; Raimondi, G.; Zarattini, G.; Raspanti, M.; Reguzzoni, M. Comparative Morphology of Skeletal Development in Homo sapiens and Raja asterias: Divergent Stiffening Patterns Due to Different Matrix Calcification Processes. Preprints2024, 2024080376. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0376.v1
Pazzaglia, U. E.; Zecca, P. A.; Terova, G.; Serena, F.; Cecilia, M.; Raimondi, G.; Zarattini, G.; Raspanti, M.; Reguzzoni, M. Comparative Morphology of Skeletal Development in Homo sapiens and Raja asterias: Divergent Stiffening Patterns Due to Different Matrix Calcification Processes. Preprints 2024, 2024080376. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0376.v1
Pazzaglia, U. E.; Zecca, P. A.; Terova, G.; Serena, F.; Cecilia, M.; Raimondi, G.; Zarattini, G.; Raspanti, M.; Reguzzoni, M. Comparative Morphology of Skeletal Development in Homo sapiens and Raja asterias: Divergent Stiffening Patterns Due to Different Matrix Calcification Processes. Preprints2024, 2024080376. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0376.v1
APA Style
Pazzaglia, U. E., Zecca, P. A., Terova, G., Serena, F., Cecilia, M., Raimondi, G., Zarattini, G., Raspanti, M., & Reguzzoni, M. (2024). Comparative Morphology of Skeletal Development in Homo sapiens and Raja asterias: Divergent Stiffening Patterns Due to Different Matrix Calcification Processes. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0376.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Pazzaglia, U. E., Mario Raspanti and Marcella Reguzzoni. 2024 "Comparative Morphology of Skeletal Development in Homo sapiens and Raja asterias: Divergent Stiffening Patterns Due to Different Matrix Calcification Processes" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0376.v1
Abstract
Before calcification begins, the early embryonic and fetal skeletal development of both mammalian Homo sapiens and the chondrichthyan fish Raja asterias consists exclusively of cartilage. This cartilage is formed and shaped through processes involving tissue segmentation and the frequency, distribution, and orientation of chondrocyte mitoses. In the subsequent developmental phase, mineral deposition in the cartilage matrix conditions the development further. The stiffness and structural layout of the mineralized cartilage have a significant impact on the shape of the anlagen (early formative structures of organs or tissues) and the mechanical properties of the skeletal segments. The fundamental difference between the two studied species lies in how calcified cartilage serves as a scaffold for osteoblasts to deposit bone matrix, which is then remodeled. In contrast, chondrichthyans retain the calcified cartilage as the definitive skeletal structure. This study documents the distinct mineral deposition pattern in the cartilage of the chondrichthyan R. asterias, in which calcification progresses with the formation of focal calcification nuclei or “tesserae”. These are arranged on the flat surface of the endo-skeleton (crustal pattern) or aligned in columns (catenated pattern) in the radials of the appendicular skeleton. This anatomical structure is well adapted to meet the mechanical requirements of locomotion in the water column. Conversely, in terrestrial mammals, endochondral ossification (associated with the remodeling of the calcified matrix) provides limb bones with the necessary stiffness to withstand the strong bending and twisting stresses of terrestrial locomotion. In this study, X-rays of marine mammals (reproduced from previously published studies) document how the endochondral ossification in dolphin’s flipper adapts to the mechanical demands of aquatic locomotion. This adaptation includes the reduction in the length of the stylopodium and zeugopodium and an increase in the number of elements in the autopodium’s central rays.
Biology and Life Sciences, Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.