Functional anatomy of the trunk musculature in the slow loris (<i>Nycticebus coucang</i>)

Abstract

Lorisid locomotor and postural behaviour exhibits a number of features that distinguish it clearly from other primates. The comparative myological study of the trunk in the slow loris (Nycticebus coucang) and the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sp.) presented here reveals differences that are related to unique aspects of lorisid positional behaviour. While quadrupedal running and leaping requires flexion and extension of the spine, slow climbing quadrupedalism in lorisids depends on spinal lateral flexion and rotation. The contrasting development of the epaxial musculature in the two species dissected reflects these different requirements. Bipedal suspension is a common posture in the lorisids during which rotation and dorsiflexion of the head is made possible by the robustly developed deep, dorsal, cervical musculature. The long lower lever arm in the M. rectus abdominis may play a significant role in the ventroflexion required to regain a quadrupedal stance.