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Structural modifications involved in the fore‐ and hind limb grip of some flying foxes (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)
Author(s) -
Bennett M. B.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1993.tb02633.x
Subject(s) - anatomy , biology , tendon , hindlimb , fibrocartilage , mechanism (biology) , numerical digit , medicine , physics , alternative medicine , arithmetic , mathematics , pathology , quantum mechanics , osteoarthritis , articular cartilage
A mechanism which enables flying foxes to lock their hind limb digits and thumbs in flexion is described. The deep digital tendons of the hind limbs have roughened fibrocartilage surfaces. The adjacent flexor tendon sheath supports ridges which interact with the rough tendon surface, temporarily ‘locking’ the two structures together. This tendon locking mechanism is of importance as it enables bats to reduce the energetic cost of hanging from branches. It does this by reducing, or eliminating, the need for digital flexor muscle activity.