Avian Comparative Anatomy Flashcards
(93 cards)
The wing of the bird is it’s ____
forelimb
What are the articulations of the pectoral girdle of the bird?
scapula
clavicle
coracoid
What is the canalis/foramen triosseum?
foramen at the junction of the articulations of the pectoral gurdle
tendon of the supracoracoideus (flight muscle) passes through here
Describe the scapula of the bird
flat rod, laying lateral and parallel to the vertebral column
extended caudally to the pelvis
Describe the coracoid of the bird
acts as a brace between the vigorous up-down strokes of the wing
Describe the clavicle of the bird
two clavicles fuse ventrally
forms the furcula
What is the function of the furcula?
braces the pectoral girdle against the axial skeleton
Describe the humerus of the bird
pneumatized bone with a pneumatic foramen
Describe the radius and ulna of the bird (the antebrachium)
the ulna is thicker and longer than the radius
What bones comprise the proximal row of the avian carpus?
radial and ulnar carpal bones
Describe the distal row of the avian carpus
fused with the metacarpals
forms the carpometacarpus
What is the synsacrum in the avian species?
fused thoracic, lumbar, sacral and caudal vertebrae
allows birds to stand erect
Do the hip bones of birds meet in a ventral symphysis?
no (except in the ostrich)
What part of the avian hindlimb is considered the “drumstick”?
tibiotarsus which is longer than the femur
fused tibia and proximal tarsal elements
Describe the fibula in birds
feebly developed
Describe the tarsal joint of the bird
tarsal bones merge with metatarsals II-IV forming the tarsometatarsus
Describe the tarsometatarsus in the bird
extends to the ground and gives rise to 4 digits
digit 1 is usually plantar
What is the vertebral formula for the avian species?
C 14 (varies with species)
T 7
LS 14
Cd 6
How many cervical vertebrae are present in small birds? swans? chickens?
small birds: 8
swans: 25
chickens: 14-17
Why is division of the vertebral regions difficult in the avian species?
extensive fusion
Describe the thoracic vertebrae of birds
complete ribs and connect with the sternum
the first 3-5 fuse - form the notarium
Describe the atlas of the bird
ring shaped
articulates by a depression in its ventral arch with a single occipital condyle
Describe the tail of birds
synsacrum is followed by 5-6 free caudal vertebrae - allowing free movement of the tail
pygostyle (most caudal segment)
Describe the pygostyle in the avial tail
most caudal segment
several fused rudiments
gives support to the flight feathers of the tail