Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Histology; Interlaminar elastic ligament; Micro-CT; Sauropods; Supraspinal ligament; Thin sections

Abstract

"Sauropod dinosaurs, such as Diplodocus, have been the subject of numerous hypotheses about what ligamentous structures could have lifted and supported their long necks. Because the supportive tissues rarely fossilize, palaeontologists rely on osteological correlates on the bone to infer their nature. Options for supportive cervical ligaments in sauropods are mammal-style nuchal ligaments, avian-style interlaminar elastic ligaments, reptilian-style supraspinal ligaments, or some combination thereof. This study tested for the presence of a mammal-style nuchal ligament via histological and micro-computed tomography of posterior cervical hemispinous processes of Apatosaurus and Diplodocus, in addition to examining gross morphological features of the cervical vertebrae of Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Camarasaurus. A non-uniform bone orientation in the thin sections from the hemispinous process of Diplodocus suggests that a dorsally or dorsolaterally positioned supraspinal ligament was attached to the distal tips of the spines. These findings could further the understanding of sauropod palaeoecology by providing information on their complex anatomical neck structure and how they thrived in their environment as some of the largest land animals to have ever lived on Earth"-- Abstract, p. iv

Advisor(s)

Oboh-Ikuenobe, Francisca

Committee Member(s)

Harris, Jerry
Hogan, John Patrick
Middleton, Kevin

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology and Geophysics

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

2026

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

Paper found on pages (4 to 44) will be submitted to Vertebrate Anatomy Morphology Palaeontology.

Pagination

viii, 47 pages

Rights

© 2026 Audrey Rose Williams , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12638

Download

Included in

Geology Commons

Share

 
COinS