Morphological features of the nasal cavities of hawksbill, olive ridley, and black sea turtles: Comparative studies with green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles.

Abstract

We analyzed the internal structure of the nasal cavities of hawksbill, olive ridley and black sea turtles from computed tomography images. The nasal cavities of all three species consisted of a vestibule, nasopharyngeal duct and cavum nasi proprium that included anterodorsal, posterodorsal and anteroventral diverticula, and a small posteroventral salience formed by a fossa of the wall. These findings were similar to those of green and loggerhead sea turtles (Cheloniidae), but differed from those of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelyidae). Compared to the Cheloniidae species, the nasal cavity in leatherback sea turtles was relatively shorter, wider and larger in volume. Those structural features of the nasal cavity of leatherback sea turtles might help to suppress heat dissipation and reduce water pressure within the nasal cavity in cold and deep waters.