The Use of Microcomputed Tomography to Study the Anatomical Features of the Body

Abstract

The article describes the results of a microcomputed tomography study of the anatomy of Nicrophorus satanas. The purpose of the study was to describe the anatomical and morphological structure of the species using microtomographic microscopy as well as to prepare and develop methods that could be used in subsequent experiments of this kind. Due to the large body size characteristic of this species, it has developed pronounced body muscles. Interrelated with this was an especially strong development of the respiratory system with large tracheas permeating the entire body. The number of neurons in N. satanas is not large, but despite this, the relative volume of the central nervous system is much higher. This suggests the conclusion that an increase in the volume of the nervous system becomes possible when the beetles become big enough. At the same time, we observed fundamental differences in the structure of the central nervous system, which are associated with complex behaviors. The perception of odors and analysis thereof (smell of a carcass, a pheromone, an attractant), as well as the perception of sound signals (designed to attract the opposite sex or to warn of imminent danger), have contributed to the development of the central nervous system. The data obtained will help us to further monitor the development of the central nervous system in the Nicrophorus genus in the context of the evolution it went through when transitioning to the necrobiontic lifestyle.