Table of Contents
Why is the pygostyle important?
Normal Anatomy The pygostyle is an important structure that serves to mount the tail feathers, providing critical control surfaces, especially during takeoff and landing.
Where is the synsacrum?
noun, plural syn·sac·ra [sin-sak-ruh, -sey-kruh]. Ornithology. a dorsal ridge of bone in the pelvic region of birds, formed by the fusion of certain thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal vertebrae.
What is the meaning of synsacrum?
Definition of synsacrum : a solidly fused series of vertebrae in the pelvic region in birds, dinosaurs, and pterosaurs comprising usually the last rib-bearing or thoracic vertebra, the two sacral vertebrae, and a varying number of caudal vertebrae — compare sacrum.
How is synsacrum formed?
The synsacrum is formed by the fusion of the most posterior (seventh) thoracic, the five lumbar, the two sacral and the five most anterior of the caudal vertebrae (Plate 207).
What is the function of the Synsacrum?
The synsacrum is a unit formed by the fusion of the posterior thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. Fusions of these bones make birds sturdy and indirectly lighter by decreasing the number of muscles necessary to control individual vertebrae.
What does pygostyle mean?
Definition of pygostyle 1 : a plate of bone that forms the posterior end of the vertebral column in most birds and is formed by the union of vertebrae.
How many vertebrae are there in synsacrum?
Learn about this topic in these articles: …to 23 fused vertebrae, the synsacrum, to which the pelvic girdle is fused. Posterior to the synsacrum is a series of free tail (caudal) vertebrae and finally the pygostyle, which consists of several fused caudal vertebrae and supports the tail feathers.
Why do birds have wishbones?
The wishbone, located between the turkey’s neck and breast, is formed by the fusion of the bird’s clavicles at the base of its sternum. This elastic bone is crucial for the bird’s flight mechanics ”“ it serves as a spring that holds and releases energy while the bird flaps its wings attempting to fly.
Do all birds have a wishbone?
Not all birds have wishbones – hummingbirds and some parrots are among the exceptions – but Jenkins believes the starling’s wishbone spring is typical of most feathered creatures, including the Thanksgiving turkey.
Do humans have Zygapophyses?
Zygapophyses (in red) in the human thoracic spine (left) and in a snake vertebra (right). In the latter, the zygosphene–zygantrum joints are also highlighted (in green and blue). Top: cranial view; bottom; caudal view.
What is the meaning of Amphicoelous?
Definition of amphicoelous : biconcave —used of vertebrae (as those of certain reptiles) having both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the centrum concave.
What is a pope’s nose?
Definition of pope’s nose : the part of a bird that corresponds to the tail of a mammal and forms a broad flattened lobe bearing the tail feathers and usually a dorsal uropygial gland. — called also parson’s nose.
What is bird skeleton?
Skeleton. Birds have a lightweight skeleton made of mostly thin and hollow bones. The keel-shaped sternum (breastbone) is where the powerful flight muscles attach to the body. Birds have a smaller total number of bones than mammals or reptiles.
What do wishbones symbolize?
The unbroken wishbone has become a symbol of good luck, fortune and potential. Because of its meanings, the wishbone has become a popular symbol in gifts and especially jewelry.
Do humans have a wishbone?
Explanation: In birds its primary function is to strengthen the thoracic skeleton to withstand the rigours of flight. Humans do not have a wishbone, but we do have two clavicles, although not fused together. We have no need for a wishbone as we do not fly.
Where is the wishbone in a human?
Learn about this topic in these articles: The wishbone, or furcula, of birds is composed of the two fused clavicles; a crescent-shaped clavicle is present under the pectoral fin of some fish. In humans the two clavicles, on either side of the anterior base of the neck, are horizontal, S-curved rods that articulate…
What do Zygapophyses do?
The zygapophyseal joints are true synovial joints that allow for motion of the vertebral spine while limiting excessive motion.
What is a synsacrum?
The synsacrum is a skeletal structure of birds and other dinosaurs, in which the sacrum is extended by incorporation of additional fused or partially fused caudal or lumbar vertebrae and it can only be seen on birds. Some posterior thoracic vertebrae, the lumbar, sacral and a few anterior caudal vertebrae are fused…
What bones are fused to form the synsacrum?
Some posterior thoracic vertebrae, the lumbar, sacral and a few anterior caudal vertebrae are fused to form a complex bone called synsacrum. The innominate bones are fused with the synsacrum to a greater or lesser extent, according to species, forming an avian pelvis.
How many vertebrae are in the synsacrum of a bird?
It is formed by 14 to 15 vertebrae, depending on the species, which are fused constituting the synsacrum. The connection between the synsacrum and the ilium bone, which reaches far into the thoracic region, is highly important for the shape of the trunk in birds.
What is the difference between innominate bones and synsacrum bones?
The innominate bones are fused with the synsacrum to a greater or lesser extent, according to species, forming an avian pelvis. This forms a more extensive rigid structure than the pelvis of a mammal, fulfilling requirements for flight, locomotion and respiration.