The rostral neurovascular system of Tyrannosaurus rex

New paper studying the neurovascular canals in the skull of T.rex done with CT scans.

The main thing this paper addresses is the purpose of these canals, the evolutionary changes, its function as a sensory organ, and what it means for lips on theropod dinosaurs.

So far, it appears that the network of canals on the snout isn't a good indicator on whether it's good as a sensing organ. It's sensory abilities appears to be average. The pattern of the canals on the upper and lower jaw is similar to Spinosaurus and Halszkaraptor. The study on sensing capabilities of modern animals is lacking, so it's best not to jump to any conclusions.

Instead of serving as sensory organs, all these canals might be for some soft tissue structures on the snout. They could be for thermoregulation or social signaling. When compared to younger Tyrannosaurus specimens such as Jane (BMRP 2002.4.1), the neurovascular network of canals is simpler and isn't curved like that of an adult. This network of canals changes greatly as it grows up. Kinda like Tyrannosaurus puberty. This might correlate with socio-sexual function as adults.

As for lips, it's still inconclusive. Just that the data of the rostral neurovasculature we have isn't a good indicator of lips or no lips.