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Polarizing analysis of the crimped collagen ligament of the maxillary barbel in Parauchenipterus galeatus , and the functional implications
Author(s) -
Royero R.,
Neville A. C.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1997.tb01348.x
Subject(s) - barbel , ligament , anatomy , periodontal fiber , biology , connective tissue , collagen fibres , catfish , periosteum , maxilla , orthodontics , fish <actinopterygii> , medicine , fishery , genetics
A polarizing analysis of the crimped collagen ligament in the maxillary barbel of the catfish Parauchenipterus galeatus showed clearly that the maxillo‐mandibular ligament of this species is formed by two types of collagen fibres. The first is composed of uncrimped, and the second of crimped collagen fibres. An anatomical examination of the muscular and osteological components which act in the movement of the barbel revealed that abduction of the barbel is performed by the extensor tentaculi muscle and the mechanism of adduction by muscular relaxation of the extensor tentaculi combined with release of the stored elastic energy of the maxillo‐mandibular ligament. This ligament has rubber properties and because of this can store energy during abduction (first stage of the cycle of barbel movement). The stored energy is released when the action of the extensor tentaculi muscle ceases. The second half of the locomotory cycle is to return the maxilla to its original position by the antagonistic action of the ligament. The crimping of the ligament permits the take up of slack, allowing greater extension, with less chance of snapping. The connective tissue between the hyomandibular and the maxilla may assist the adduction of the barbel.