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Triceratops Anatomy Revealed: Insights Into Heat Management

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

University of Tokyo researchers mapped Triceratops soft-tissue anatomy, revealing heat and respiration-related structures.
Using CT scans, they identified a network of nerves and blood vessels in the dinosaur's large nose.
The network evolved to support size and may aid heat management in large animals.
Researchers also report a respiratory turbinate, rare in dinosaurs but common in birds and mammals.
The findings fill gaps in horned-dinosaur skull anatomy and invite further study.

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Story summary

University of Tokyo researchers mapped Triceratops soft-tissue anatomy, revealing heat and respiration-related structures.
Using CT scans, they identified a network of nerves and blood vessels in the dinosaur's large nose.
The network evolved to support size and may aid heat management in large animals.
Researchers also report a respiratory turbinate, rare in dinosaurs but common in birds and mammals.
The findings fill gaps in horned-dinosaur skull anatomy and invite further study.