Functional morphology of the forelimb muscles in an aardvark.

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  • Endo Hideki
    Department of Zoology, National Science Museum
  • Sakai Takeo
    Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Nihon University
  • Itou Takuya
    Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Nihon University
  • Koie Hiroshi
    Laboratory of Comprehensive Veterinary Clinical Studies, Nihon University
  • Kimura Junpei
    Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University
  • Sasaki Motoki
    Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
  • Stafford Brian J.
    Mammal Division, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine
  • Yamamoto Masako
    Department of Veterinary Anatomy II, Azabu University School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Arishima Kazuyoshi
    Department of Veterinary Anatomy II, Azabu University School of Veterinary Medicine

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Abstract

The muscles of the forelimb were functional-morphologically examined in a carcass of the aardvark (Orycteropus afer) that is highly adapted to the fossorial life and the digging behavior. The M. pronator quadratus, the M. abductor digiti I longus, the M. brachioradialis, the M. pronator teres and the M. supinator are well-developed. We suggest that the supinator-pronator movement by these muscles enables the aardvark to dig, crush and sweep the soils in its fossorial behavior. In addition, the M. extensor digiti II runs obliquely to rotate the forearm around the ulna shaft. We think that this muscle may not only function as an extensor of the digits II and III, but also as a supinator of the fore arm. Many extensor muscles can be separated into two groups on the basis of their insertion. The M. extensor digiti II and the M. extensor carpi radialis insert to the digits-metacarpals II-III, whereas the M. extensor digitorum lateralis and M. extensor carpi ulnaris reach the digits-metacarpals IV-V. We suggest that the crushing of the soil is accomplished by the two medial digits and that the lateral two digits mainly act as a remover or a sweeper of the crushed soil.

Journal

  • Mammal Study

    Mammal Study 27 (2), 121-125, 2002

    THE MAMMAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN

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