Cross Sectional Anatomy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Juvenile Atlantic Puffin Head (Aves, Alcidae, Fratercula arctica)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In this study, we described the anatomy of the central nervous system (CNS) and associated structures of the puffin using anatomical cross-sections and advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of the head in the Atlantic puffin. The results obtained in this study could contribute to future anatomical and pathological studies on related species. ABSTRACT: The Atlantic puffin is a medium-sized seabird with black and white plumage and orange feet. It is distributed mainly along the northern Atlantic Ocean, and due, among other reasons, to human activities, it is in a threatened situation and classified as a vulnerable species according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In this study, we used a total of 20 carcasses of juvenile Atlantic puffins to perform MRI, as well as anatomical cross-sections. Thus, an adequate description of the head was made, providing valuable information that could be helpful as a diagnostic tool for veterinary clinicians, who increasingly treat these birds in zoos, rehabilitation centers, and even in the wild.