Laminar bone as an adaptation to torsional loads in flapping flight.
Using a new histometric method, the orientation of primary osteons was measured in the main long bones of adult mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). In the light of previous biomechanical and ontogenetic studies, a functional hypothesis is proposed, explaining the histological differences observed between long bones; laminar bone tissue, mainly found in the wing bones, may be a biomechanical adaptation to torsional loads caused by flapping flight.
de Margerie
Emmanuel
E
CNRS UMR 8570, 2 place Jussieu, case 7077, 75251 Paris 05, France. margerie.e.de@club-internet.fr
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D004372:Ducks / Q000502:physiology*; D005426:Flight, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D006253:Haversian System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006651:Histocytochemistry / Q000379:methods; D007866:Leg; D009949:Orientation; D014102:Torsion Abnormality; D014921:Wings, Animal