Anatomic Interactive Atlas of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Head

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Because several diseases have been reported affecting the head of sea turtles, accurate anatomic knowledge of this body part is necessary. We provide an open access, anatomic, interactive atlas of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), to facilitate anatomic learning using osteology, gross dissection, and computed tomography (CT) images. Using segmentation and visualization software, relevant anatomic structures were identified and colored in all images, and a computer atlas was developed. This atlas, composed of 55 images, provides an interactive anatomic resource for veterinarians, biologists, researchers, and students involved in loggerhead sea turtle conservation. ABSTRACT: The head of the sea turtle is susceptible to congenital, developmental, traumatic, and infectious disorders. An accurate interpretation and thorough understanding of the anatomy of this region could be useful for veterinary practice on sea turtles. The purpose of this study was to develop an interactive two-dimensional (2D) atlas viewing software of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) using images obtained via osteology, gross dissections, and computed tomography (CT). The atlas is composed of 10 osteology, 13 gross dissection, 10 sagittal multiplanar reconstructed CT (bone and soft tissue kernels), and 22 transverse CT (bone and soft tissue windows) images. All images were segmented and colored using ITK-SNAP software. The visualization and image assessment were performed using the Unity 3D platform to facilitate the development of interactive content in 2D. This atlas can be useful as an interactive anatomic resource for assessment of the head of loggerhead sea turtles.