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The furcula (Latin for "little fork"; pl.: furculae) [a] or wishbone is a forked bone found in most birds and some species of non-avian dinosaurs, and is formed by the fusion of the two clavicles. [1] In birds, its primary function is in the strengthening of the thoracic skeleton to withstand the rigors of flight.
Bird anatomy, or the physiological structure of birds' bodies, shows many unique adaptations, mostly aiding flight.Birds have a light skeletal system and light but powerful musculature which, along with circulatory and respiratory systems capable of very high metabolic rates and oxygen supply, permit the bird to fly.
This stylised bird skeleton highlights the synsacrum Pelvis of a Gull; formed by the Synsacrum (fused vertebrae placed centrally) and the two innominate bones either side. The synsacrum is a skeletal structure of birds and other dinosaurs, in which the sacrum is extended by incorporation of additional fused or partially fused caudal or lumbar ...
The bones of three fingers are preserved in the bird wing. The question of which fingers they are has been discussed for about 150 years, and an extensive literature is devoted to it. [ 2 ] [ 3 ] The anatomical, paleontological, and molecular data suggests that these are fingers 1–3, but embryological data suggests that these are actually ...
This stylised bird skeleton highlights the uncinate processes The uncinate processes of the ribs are extensions of bone that project caudally from the vertical segment of each rib . (Uncinate means hooked from Latin uncinatus , from uncinus , barb, from uncus , hook.)
Pigeon skeleton with "plowshare"-type pygostyle (number 17) Confuciusornis sanctus with "rod"-type pygostyle and the two central tail feathers. Pygostyle describes a skeletal condition in which the final few caudal vertebrae are fused into a single ossification, supporting the tail feathers and musculature.
Diagram showing the general layout of air sacs in a bird. Birds have a system of air sacs in their ventilation system. [2] The air sacs work to produce a unidirectional flow where air enters and exits the lung at the same rate, contrasting the lungs of other tetrapods such as mammals where air enters and exits the lung in a tidal ventilation. [2]
The anatomy of bird legs and feet is diverse, encompassing many accommodations to perform a wide variety of functions. [ 1 ] Most birds are classified as digitigrade animals, meaning they walk on their toes rather than the entire foot.