EEB386H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Humerus, Keratin, Patagium
20 Jul 2014
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Document Summary
Lecture 3: avian flight system anatomy. Flight system strong but light structure air tight lift surface. Muscle power for thrust. Wing shape change for manoevrability. Dead keratinized derivatives of the vertebrate epidermis two defining characteristics: composed primarily of beta- keratin (90%) tubular structure produced in a follicle. In swifts and hummingbirds which mainly uses primaries in flight may have just 7 secondaries. Swans, geese, and eagles), the propatagium is a handy and safe place to insert identification tags. Point of attachment for the pectoralis major muscle (responsible for downstroke) Secondaries attaches to the ulna. Helps support the wing and some key muscles that power the flapping stroke. Also provide attachment for pectoral muscle. In flightless birds, the clavicles are reduced to splints and non- functional. Feathers are made up of keratin, an insoluble protein that is also found in mammalian hair and reptilian scales.
