Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

Morphometrical study of Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri) vertebral column with micro-CT scan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Yasin Valizadeh 1
Mohammad Nasrolahzadeh Masouleh 1
Omid Zehtabvar 2
Saied Bokaie 3

1 Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2025.2060636.4759
Abstract
Vertebrate skeletons can be considered as a combination of apparently separate units, which has attracted the attention of comparative anatomists. The Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri) is one of the newt species native to Iran, inhabiting a limited area in the southern Zagros Mountain range. The present study investigated the typical morphometrical characteristics of the normal, mature, and healthy Luristan newt vertebral column using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). For this study, five female and five male specimens of Luristan newt were utilized. The typical morphological characteristics of the vertebral column were then examined. To facilitate the description of different regions of the vertebral column, abbreviations were employed: "T" for trunk vertebrae, "S" for sacral vertebrae, "Cd-S" for caudosacral vertebrae, and "Cd" for caudal vertebrae. All parameters, including vertebral body height, vertebral body length, spinous process height, spinal canal width, and spinal canal height, exhibited significant differences throughout the vertebral column. The highest vertebral body height in both sexes was recorded in T10. The highest vertebral body length in both sexes was observed in T12. The highest spinous process height in both sexes was recorded in Cd3. The highest spinal canal width in both sexes was recorded in the atlas. The maximum spinal canal height in both sexes was also recorded in the atlas. The lowest values in all parameters were observed in the last caudal vertebra. This study presents a comprehensive description and morphometric evaluation of the vertebral column in Luristan newt with micro-CT. 

Keywords

Anatomy
Kaiser's mountain newt
Micro-CT scan

Subjects

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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 16, Issue 12
December 2025
Pages 691-698

  • Receive Date 31 May 2025
  • Revise Date 12 October 2025
  • Accept Date 12 October 2025

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