A note on the musculature of the proximal part of the pelvic limb of the ostrich (Struthio camelus).

Abstract

Ostriches (Struthio camelus) (n=90) were dissected and the musculature of part of the proximal pelvic limb examined. Graphical representation of these muscles are presented. It is evident that the anatomy of the hip and thigh of the ostrich is typically avian, but with only the M. iliofemoralis present. The M. iliotrochantericus medius is not found in ostriches, but both the M. iliofemoralis externus and M. iliofemoralis internus, as well as both parts of the M. flexor cruris lateralis and the M. ambiens are presnet in ostriches. The ambiens muscle, responsible for the automatic grasping action in birds, originates from the preacetabular lateral surface of the ilium. The insertion of this muscle is, as in other birds, via a long tendon on the head of the M. flexor digitorum magnus. A pectineus muscle is present in ostriches. The Mm. femorotibiales consists of 4 muscles, inclusive of the M. femorotibialis accessorius.