Computational Modeling of Gluteus Medius Muscle Moment Arm in Caviomorph Rodents Reveals Ecomorphological Specializations.

ABSTRACT: Vertebrate musculoskeletal locomotion is realized through lever-arm systems. The instantaneous muscle moment arm (IMMA), which is expected to be under selective pressure and thus of interest for ecomorphological studies, is a key aspect of these systems. The IMMA changes with joint motion. It's length change is technically difficult to acquire and has not been compared in a larger phylogenetic ecomorphological framework, yet. Usually, proxies such as osteological in-levers are used instead. We used 18 species of the ecologically diverse clade of caviomorph rodents to test whether its diversity is reflected in the IMMA of the hip extensor M. gluteus medius. A large IMMA is beneficial for torque generation; a small IMMA facilitates fast joint excursion. We expected large IMMAs in scansorial

SUBMITTER: Loffler L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9174681 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature