Ontogenetic scaling of pelvic limb muscles, tendons and locomotor economy in the ostrich (Struthio camelus).

ABSTRACT: In rapidly growing animals there are numerous selective pressures and developmental constraints underpinning the ontogenetic development of muscle-tendon morphology and mechanical properties. Muscle force generating capacity, tendon stiffness, elastic energy storage capacity and efficiency were calculated from muscle and tendon morphological parameters and in vitro tendon mechanical properties obtained from a growth series of ostrich cadavers. Ontogenetic scaling relationships were established using reduced major axis regression analysis. Ostrich pelvic limb muscle mass and cross-sectional area broadly scaled with positive allometry, indicating maintained or relatively greater capacity for maximum isometric force generation in larger animals. The length of distal limb tendons was found to

SUBMITTER: Channon SB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6765175 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature