Muscle architectural properties indicate a primary role in support for the pelvic limb of three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus).

ABSTRACT: Tree sloths evolved below-branch locomotion making them one of few mammalian taxa beyond primates for which suspension is nearly obligatory. Suspension requires strong limb flexor muscles that provide both propulsion and braking/support, and available locomotor kinetics data indicate that these roles differ between fore- and hindlimb pairs. Muscle structure in the pelvic limb is hypothesized to be a key anatomical correlate of function in braking/support during suspensory walking and propulsion and/or support during vertical climbing. This expectation was tested by quantifying architecture properties in the hindlimb limb musculature of brown-throated three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus: N = 7) to distinguish the roles of the flexor/extensor functional muscle groups at each joint. Measur

SUBMITTER: Morgan DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10439369 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature