Work

Beyond Domestication: Occurrence of Levator Anguli Oculi Medialis and Retractor Anguli Oculi Lateralis in Four Neotropical Canid Species

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The facial mimetic muscles levator anguli oculi medialis (LAOM) and retractor anguli oculi lateralis (RAOL) have been associated with expressive eye movements in canids and proposed as products of domestication. We investigated their occurrence in four Neotropical species (Lycalopex gymnocercus, Lycalopex vetulus, Cerdocyon thous and Chrysocyon brachyurus). Twelve adult specimens were dissected, and both muscles were consistently identified in all taxa, with conserved architecture. These findings support the interpretation that LAOM and RAOL are not exclusive to domestic dogs and may represent a broadly conserved trait across Canidae.

Source: Anatomia Histologia Embryologia

Authors: Paulo de Souza‐Junior, Erick Candiota Souza, Wilson Viotto‐Souza, Maria Eduarda Rodrigues Costa, Amanda Zanesco Crivelaro, Carlos Benhur Kasper, Marcelo Abidu‐Figueiredo

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Pampa, Universidade Presidente Antônio Carlos, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro

Language: English

Topic: Comparative Animal Anatomy Studies

Subfield: Urology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,850

Funder: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

OpenAlex ID: W7159793925

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