The osteohistological characteristics of Mamenchisaurus guangyuanensis in Jurassic and their biological significance
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Abstract:
The osteohistological characteristics of dinosaurs are significant for determining ontogenetic stages, understanding skeletal growth patterns, and identifying isolated fossils. This study aims to elucidate the osteohistological characteristics of the sauropods from the Sichuan Basin. Eighteen samples from different individuals of Mamenchisaurus guangyuanensis were examined. Thin section were prepared for these samples, and subsequently were observed under a SEM. The results indicate that: (1) the long bone histology of M. guangyuanensis is preserved with compact and cancellous bones, but lacks obvious inner circumferential lamellae, and vascular canals are small, round, and oval; (2) individuals at different growth stages demonstrate distinct differences in the thickness of compact bones and the development of Haversian systems; and (3) many differences in bone tissues exist between M. guangyuanensis and other sauropods. In particular, M. guangyuanensis differs from many other sauropods in possessing round and oval vascular canals that remain morphologically consistent throughout all growth stages.
