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Journal of Anatomy

@journalofanatomy.bsky.social
502 followers 243 following 94 posts

Official journal of the Anatomical Society (@anat_soc). We improve understanding of anatomy through analysis of structure, function, development and evolution: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/146…

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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Human femur study shows that thicker cortices produce less porous secondary osteons—independent of age, sex, or lifestyle—but this pattern doesn’t hold in females. Allometry matters for interpreting bone remodelling. Paper from @boneremodelling.bsky.social, available now doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Congratulations on this great paper! A really nice example of comparative anatomy, geometric morphometrics and machine learning revealing new insights into dinosaur dental morphology
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Congratulations to the authors on this excellent new contribution to our understanding of proboscidean biomechanics! 🐘
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
🚨 New issue alert! 🚨 Birds that use the tail for courtship display have unusually shaped and proportionally heavier tail muscles than birds that don't exhibit these displays, highlighting how courtship behaviours shape the structure and function of muscles in these animals doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
New research in Journal of Anatomy maps the development of chicken abdominal musculature. Authors follow somites 24–28, revealing the origin of fibres. Muscle fibres appear to mix across segments, but never fuse, giving a glimpse into how complex abdominal muscles take shape doi.org/10.1111%2Fjo...
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
This month's cover explores the direct comparison of brains and endocasts in the same 75 individuals, showing that sulcal imprints are short and discontinuous. A new class of endocranial marks are identified, proposing a new standard for interpreting fossil endocasts doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Enamel histology may provide insights into dental growth & life history traits, but its study in fossils is challenging due to increments identification. This standardized methodological framework helps identify enamel increments correctly, step by step @manonhullot.bsky.social @cr2p.bsky.social
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
The intervertebral disc has a fat pad structure. This Intervertebral Fat Pad (IVFP) is newly described in this paper from @iatridislab.bsky.social that shows its existence in multiple species and suggesting a function role in disc health and degeneration. doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Pluchot et al describe the six-layered structure of the sheep auditory cortex, noting the likely location of the primary auditory cortex. They show that its organization is similar to that of other mammals, supporting the use of ovine models for auditory processing studies doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
New cadaveric evidence supports the tubarial gland as a distinct anatomical structure, with histological validation and the first published description of a macroscopic excretory duct. The findings strengthen the anatomical evidence for a discrete gland in this location. doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Despite variations in muscular attachments, the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia consistently contained collagen bundles oriented in an inferolateral direction from the lumbar spine to the iliac crest, independent of the orientation of the muscular aponeuroses. doi.org/10.1111%2Fjo...
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Showcasing the first issue of Volume 249 with work from Suchánek et al. Bichir pectoral fins carry unique "dental plates" (dermal elements bearing tooth-like odontodes) that continuously replace themselves, much like oral teeth, creating a fascinating link between scales, teeth, and locomotion.
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
@johnnyakatura.bsky.social et al., investigate the scaling of internal joint distance (IJD), a surrogate measure for cartilage thickness, across small- to medium-sized mammals. Elbow position had no significant effect on IJD and used these data to model the range of motion (ROM) at the elbow joint
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Our new special issue explores how joints shaped vertebrate evolution through biomechanics, development, anatomy and palaeontology, revealing joints as dynamic interfaces where structure, function and history converge. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14697580...
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
🚨 We’re Hiring! 🚨 Journal of Anatomy is looking for a new Editor-in-Chief to join one of the world’s most respected platforms in anatomical science. Passionate about advancing scholarly research in the anatomical sciences? Visit the link - tinyurl.com/znwubuu2
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
This month Campbell et al. study the electroreceptor ribbon synapses in sturgeon lateral line organs. They found that these synapses in non-teleost ray-finned bony fish are glutamatergic, suggesting further commonalities, but also some differences, with hair cell ribbon synapses tinyurl.com/36f8vax2
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Another from the Special Issue - @drjzp.bsky.social and colleagues showcase a new methodology for gaining accurate dimensions of soft tissues during #dissection. Many methods overlook the laxity of soft tissue when describing dimensions and use a 'point-to-point- approach.
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Also in this special issue, Tomlinson et al., tested whether calcaneal heel spurs strengthen the plantar fascia’s attachment to the heel. Avulsion frequency did not seem linked to the presence of spurs, suggesting they are unlikely to play a meaningful biomechanical function doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Bone remodelling through time @boneremodelling.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Our new paper is out in @journalofanatomy.bsky.social open access! onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Scaling relationships between Haversian canal‐to‐secondary osteon and midshaft femur cortical‐to‐total area in a human autopsy sample
We report that femoral cortical thickness was strongly and negatively associated with secondary osteon porosity in an Australian autopsy sample, indicating that thicker cortices contained less porous...
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
This month’s issue of Journal of Anatomy is a standout special edition dedicated to the fibrous framework. We are celebrating the pioneering work of Professor Mike Benjamin, whose research transformed our understanding of connective tissue biology, particularly the part it plays in the enthesis.
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Aaron Griffing @aaronhgriffing.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
New paper in @journalofanatomy.bsky.social with PAD Wise and AP Russell! We show that using morphological criteria to assign developmental stage provides more ossification sequence resolution than embryo size or developmental time (days). onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.... #GeckoEvoDevo
Cranial ossification in leopard geckos examined using Alizarin Red staining.A chart illustrating ossification sequence in leopard gecko crania
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Fresh Friday - Rhynchosaur dentition preserves plesiomorphic amniote tissues, challenging the idea of a “bone of attachment,” suggesting heterochronic shifts in mineralization helped drive gomphosis evolution across multiple amniote clades, including mammals, dinosaurs, and crocodylians
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Cranial sutures are overlooked aspects of the mammal skull. Comparing postnatal trajectories in suture shape retrieves plateauing adult complexity for midline sutures. Despite distinct developmental strategies, marsupial and placental suture disparity were found to overlap. doi.org/10.1111/joa....
doi.org
A suture in time: The ontogeny of cranial suture morphology in mammals
Mammal cranial sutures are important indicators of the biomechanical and developmental pressures acting upon the skull. Across three prominent sutures dividing the vault of the mammalian skull, diver...
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Now available! A new method paper by Rzepliński et al., utilises radiopaque contrast injected into peripheral nerves for subsequent CT scanning. The method produced excellent models of nerves leaving the specimens ready for further analysis: doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Our new issue! 🦇✨features a cover image from Carter's latest study. Tubercles on the bat pinna reduce drag before stall and increase lift after stall by generating streamwise vortices. These natural surface features likely improve aerodynamic efficiency. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14697580...
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Also this month, Šulcová et al., studied how teeth attach to jaws across vertebrates. In veiled chameleons, firmly ankylosed teeth formed via a transient cell type at the tooth–bone interface showing both osteoblast- and odontoblast-like features. The authors call these theorised cells ankyloblasts
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Also this month, Manson and @nathanj.bsky.social used finite element modelling informed by neonatal MRI data, to test whether simple mechanical deformation from brain and masticatory muscle growth can predict early cranial shape change, focusing on the basicranium and face doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
📢 We’re now on LinkedIn! You can now find the Journal of Anatomy on LinkedIn, as well as here and all the usual places. We’ll continue showcasing the latest research in Development, Evolution and Function, so come find us here 👉 www.linkedin.com/company/jour...
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
We welcome 2026 with a focus on Dynamic Anatomy. This cover image from Crompton et al., features the pelvis of StW 572, an example of A. prometheus Their new analysis shows human-like pelvic traits and supports multiple modes of bipedalism in early hominins #Paleoanthropology #evolution
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Seasons Greetings from all at Journal of Anatomy - watch this space in 2026 for plenty of exciting new findings from the world of anatomical research. We hope you have a peaceful and fulfilling festive period!
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Predicting head injury in infants is complicated by large anatomical variability. This study analyzed skull thickness at 12,000+ locations in 266 infants (<12 mo) to identify age/sex-specific anatomical standards based on patterns of skull thickness distribution. doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
@rjstrauch.bsky.social investigate the mandibular symphysis in whales. Toothed whales exhibited unfused, partially fused, or fully fused symphyses, while baleen whales evolved a decoupled, highly mobile symphysis that represents a novel condition unobserved in other mammalian clades.
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
This month's cover image comes from the work of @aaronhgriffing.bsky.social and colleagues, looking at the development of hemibacula. They’re chondroid-like, appear after sexual maturity, grow isometrically, and likely evolved via peramorphosis. Weird, wonderful genital bones!
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
🐘🦣 The vertebral column of elephants is a marvel of biological engineering. The remarkable functional morphology and intervertebral mobility of the elephant backbone is explored here, comparing it with that of other large herbivores and their extinct relatives 🐘🦣 doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Rodent semicircular canal (SCC) shape and size reveal how they move! 🐀 Agile arboreal species have larger canals, while fossorial ones have smaller. SCC morphology helps predict locomotor behaviour and even reconstruct how fossil rodents moved 🦴 #Anatomy #Evolution #Rodents doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Striking diversity in the size, density, and distribution of taste papillae across 11 elasmobranch species reveals how sharks, skates, and rays taste their way to better feeding strategies. Atkinson & Collin, whose study graces our new cover, explain more: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14697580...
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
The hidden pattern of the primary teeth in an ancestral ray-finned fish provides a clue to how the strange lungfish dentition could have evolved simply by modifying the growth mode of bone. More information in this newly published piece from @uuvertpalaeo.bsky.social here: doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Continuing our celebration of #fossilfriday, Maíllo and colleagues perform osteohistology of an ornithopod from Aliaga (Spain), finding it matured at ~7 years and died aged 9–12. This first use of the three-front model in an #ornithopod reveals strong bone-to-bone variability doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Also in this month's #specialissue and celebrating #fossilfriday 🦴 is this paper from Chinsamy and Valenciano identifying multiple exostoses and an osteochondroma in a Pliocene canid 🐕🦊 from Langebaanweg, South Africa doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Introducing our latest special issue, From Fossil to Microscope: Unraveling the Tapestry of Tissue Anatomy through Paleohistology, with this wonderful cover image from @funstonpaleo.bsky.social et al., of compacted coarse cancellous bone from the early Palaeocene taeniodont, Conoryctes comma.
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
📰 Cranial scans in South Africans revealed higher facial asymmetry in female and Black individuals, especially in nasal and temporal regions. These shape shifts may not skew IDs but should be considered in anthropological analyses of ancestry, health, and human variation 📰:
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Also in this edition, Enriquez et al., found that epidermal scale shapes and relative scale sizes are mostly retained through growth in both dinosaurs and modern reptiles, suggesting that the enlarged 'feature scales' of some dinosaurs were not used in visual displays: doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
🚨New issue alert 🚨 with a cover image from Cerda et al. showing dental plate histology of †Ischyodus dolloi, revealing dental plates packed with tritors; hypermineralised structures made of whitlockin, a form of dentine far stronger than the usual material found in teeth doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
The Weberian apparatus boosts hearing in otophysan fish via modified bones and ligaments. Using advanced imaging and histology, a study from @jakeleyhr.bsky.social and @remorphevolab.bsky.social reveals new insights into the elusive first intercostal ligament and its role in this acoustic system
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
🦷 A common embryological, developmental, and genetic background is shared between dentine and cortical bone. @mathilde-augoyard.bsky.social and team found coordinated variation between their volumes in human limb bones and teeth, suggesting shared factors influencing their postnatal development 🦴
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
We welcome Volume 247 with this fantastic image from work by Sosa et al. This study provides the first comprehensive description of the hindlimb musculature of the #Emperor #Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) across different ontogenetic stages. doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
🦭🔥Hot off the press! 🔥🦭 Check out this exciting work from @robyngrant.bsky.social and colleagues looking at the wonderful world of whiskers! #anatomy #comparative #whiskers
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Our @journalofanatomy.bsky.social paper of the year is "Microanatomy of the human tunnel of Corti structures and cochlear partition-tonotopic variations and transcellular signaling" by Giese et al.
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Journal of Anatomy @journalofanatomy.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
🥳New issue means new cover image🥳 Ochronotic #pigmentation is shown within the perichondrium surrounding hyaline #cartilage from the secondary #bronchus of an individual with #alkaptonuria. Hughes et al.'s investigation of alkaptonuria, available now: doi.org/10.1111/joa....
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Dr Alessio Veneziano @aveneziano.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Our latest paper on fibulas 🦴 has finally a home in the @journalofanatomy.bsky.social! We studied trabecular architecture to check if it records arboreal habits 🌳 in #primates 🐒🦧🦍... (1/2) 🧪 #science 🏺 #BioAnth dx.doi.org/10.1111/joa....
dx.doi.org
The relationship between primate distal fibula trabecular architecture and arboreality, phylogeny and size
The fibula, despite being traditionally overlooked compared to the femur and the tibia, has recently received attention in primate functional morphology due to its correlation with the degree of arbo....
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