Morphometric descriptive report of scleral ossicle rings, by ultrasound and computed tomography, in three Testudines specimens

ABSTRACT: The scleral ossicle rings function has been related to mechanical protection, muscle fixation, support for eyeball shape and visual accommodation. There are few morphobiometric reports on these in different Testudines species, we performed ultrasound (US) computed tomography (CT) of the one green turtle (Chelonia mydas), black-bellied slider (Trachemys dorbigni) red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius). US CT were anatomical identification. thickness, density, width, diameters each ring measured. three animals showed single continuous circular structures, located anterior pole. These structures easily observed C. mydas, whose biggest, thickest widest. T. dorbigni presented decreased dimensions ossicles most difficult identify. Bone density superior region was greater than inferior all animals. Non-invasive imaging exams good tools study anatomy ocular skeleton. specimens general morphological similarities enabled visualizing a number details bone morphology.