Morphological Basis of the Pectoral Fin Flutter of Embryonic Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar )
The pectoral fin of embryonic Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) flutters rhythmically through most of the early development, probably to promote water currents near embryonic respiratory surfaces. A descriptive mechanical model of the anatomical basis of the fin movements involves four components. The b...
Published in: | Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences |
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Main Authors: | , , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1991
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f91-261 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f91-261 |
Summary: | The pectoral fin of embryonic Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) flutters rhythmically through most of the early development, probably to promote water currents near embryonic respiratory surfaces. A descriptive mechanical model of the anatomical basis of the fin movements involves four components. The basal coraco-scapular complex serves as a fulcrum for fin movements. The actinost forms a thin vane, which is alternately abducted and adducted by two opposing muscle groups originating on the coraco-scapular cartilage and inserting distally on the actinost. The last component, the fin membrane, moves as a result of travelling waves passing distad as a result of flexion of the actinost — a "whiplash" type of motion. The first five spinal nerves may be involved in generation of the rhythmic flutter. |
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