Comparative myology of the pectoral and pelvic appendages of the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) and the prehensile-tailed porcupine (Coendou prehensilis). Bulletin of the AMNH ; v. 173, article 4

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dc.contributor.authorMcEvoy, James Stephen.en_US
dc.date.accessioned2005-10-06T14:45:55Z
dc.date.available2005-10-06T14:45:55Z
dc.date.issued1982en_US
dc.descriptionp. 338-421 : ill. ; 26 cm.en_US
dc.descriptionIncludes bibliographical references (p. [419]-421).en_US
dc.description.abstract"The myology of the pectoral and pelvic appendages of Erethizon dorsatum, the North American porcupine, and Coendou prehensilis, the prehensile-tailed porcupine, were compared by dissection. The data were used to hypothesize on the evolutionary relationship of these two species, and the arboreal adaptations within their musculature were identified. Arboreal adaptations were observed most frequently in the forelimb. Several muscles may be important in caudal rotation of the scapula, a monement that is probably used as an aid to limb protraction during reaching movements. The cranial fibers of M. acromiotrapezius and the caudal fibers of the M. levator scapulae and M. serratus anterior complex probably function in caudal scapular rotation, but it is possible that the latter would be important in suspension of the thorax by the pectoral girdle during climbing. The cranial fibers of the M. levator scapulae and M. serratus anterior complex along with M. occipitoscapularis, M. rhomboideus anterior, and M. atlantoscapularis posterior would be used in cranial scapular rotation (the glenoid moves caudoventrally). This motion is probably used as an aid to limb retraction during climbing. M. latissimus dorsi and M. teres major have configurations which also reflect the need for powerful limb retraction in erethizontids. Several muscles, particularly M. pectoralis major and M. clavodeltoideus, are responsible for limb adduction in order to maximize the frictional forces generated between the manus and the arboreal substrate. the configuration of M. biceps brachii indicates that it is a powerful elbow flexor and an important supinator of the antebrachium. M. supinator is probably most important in maintaining the integroty of the humeroradial joint. Arboreal adaptations in the pelvic appendage were primarily concerned with positioning the pes or improving its grasping capabilities. M. tibialis anterior and M. tibialis posterior are important for inversion of the pes toward the medially lying arboreal substrate. M. plantaris brevis and M. adductor ossis sesamoideus medialis would probably depress the preaxial pad, allowing the pes to 'grasp' branches or conform to the curved substrate. The musculature of the pectoral appendages of Erethizon and Coendou was found to be similar, although some minor interspecific differences were observed. However, major interspecific differences were observed in the pelvic appendages of these animals. M. caudofemoralis and M. adductor digiti secundi are present in Erethizon but absent in Coendou. The configuration of M. flexor digitorum tibialis and M. abductor hallucis brevis in Coendou are clearly derived from the more primitive conditions as represented by Erethizon. The myological data obtained in this study, along with other morphological and paleontological data from Frazer (1978), suggest that Erethizon and Coendou were derived from a common ancestor"--P. 339.en_US
dc.format.extent16797446 bytes
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2246/1020
dc.languageengen_US
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisher[New York] : American Museum of Natural Historyen_US
dc.relation.ispartofseriesBulletin of the American Museum of Natural History ; v. 173, article 4en_US
dc.subject.lccQH1 .A4 vol.173, art.4, 1982en_US
dc.subject.lcshNorth American porcupine -- Anatomy.en_US
dc.subject.lcshCoendou prehensilis -- Anatomy.en_US
dc.subject.lcshLeg -- Muscles.en_US
dc.subject.lcshPorcupines -- Anatomy.en_US
dc.subject.lcshExtremities (Anatomy)en_US
dc.subject.lcshMammals -- America -- Anatomy.en_US
dc.titleComparative myology of the pectoral and pelvic appendages of the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) and the prehensile-tailed porcupine (Coendou prehensilis). Bulletin of the AMNH ; v. 173, article 4en_US
dc.title.alternativePorcupine musculatureen_US
dc.typetexten_US

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Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History