Functional myology of the harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena (L.)
The axial and pectoral musculature of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (L.)) is described, using standardized nomenclature, from dissections of 12 specimens of mixed age and sex. The axial musculature consists of two main groups, epaxial and hypaxial, which can be further subdivided: the epax...
| Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
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| Main Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1976
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z76-083 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z76-083 |
| Summary: | The axial and pectoral musculature of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (L.)) is described, using standardized nomenclature, from dissections of 12 specimens of mixed age and sex. The axial musculature consists of two main groups, epaxial and hypaxial, which can be further subdivided: the epaxials include the spinalis, longissimus, and lateral branch of the iliocostalis lumborum, with an extensive system of tendons that insert on the vertebrae of the peduncle and flukes; the hypaxialis and the lateral branch of the hypaxialis, with fewer associated tendons, but these are also inserted on the vertebrae of the peduncle and flukes. Fifteen muscles in the pectoral region, which control position of the flippers, are described. Visual observations and film analysis of the complex locomotory and manoeuvering movements of wild harbour porpoises are used to suggest functions for the described muscles. |
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