A histological and NMR study of the melon of the striped dolphin ( Stenella coeruleoalba)

The melon, the echolocation organ of the striped dolphin ( Stenella coeruleoalba), was investigated by morphological and high-resolution 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods, in order to characterize structure and composition gradient at the histological and molecular level. Morphological analysis showed that the lipidic components are organized in an adipose tissue; moreover, a clear muscular component was observed. Age-related structural differences also were noted. Furthermore, NMR yielded detailed information at a qualitative–quantitative level on the lipid components.