Study on Skeletal Anatomy of the Pectoral Girdle, Stylopodium and Zeugopodium of Caiman latirostris (Daudin, 1802) (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae)

The development of the skeleton can be better understood through new discoveries, using as
reference tissue that is in a dynamic process of formation and resorption. Once formed, the skeletal
frame is responsible for supporting the body, protecting the internal organs, and aiding movements,
as well as for hematopoiesis, mineral homeostasis and the storage of triglycerides. This study used a
young adult male specimen of C. latirostris, 1.50m in length, belonging to the collection of the Wild
Animal Research Laboratory of the Federal University of Uberlândia, fixed in 10% formol. The
specimen’s skin, viscera and pectoral girdle, stylopodium and zeugopodium bone muscles were
removed, and the bones were identified, recorded in photographs taken with a digital camera, and
described. The findings demonstrate that the characteristics of the skeletal anatomy of the pectoral
girdle, stylopodium and zeugopodium of C. latirostris resemble those of its ancestors and extend to
the other crocodilians, since they exhibit inter- and intraspecific behavioral similarities.