Further studies into the lipid structure of the spermaceti organ of the sperm whale ( Physeter catodon)

The lipid structures of spermaceti organs from an adult male, adult female and female calf sperm whale have been investigated. In all three whales a three-dimensional, heterogeneous lipid composition was found within the spermaceti organ. Wax ester samples from the spermaceti of the adult female were further analysed by gas-liquid chromatography for their fatty acid compositions. The implications of the heterogeneous lipid structure were discussed in relation to possible physiological functions of the spermaceti organ as a buoyance regulator and acoustic lens.